Michael James Patterson, age 73, passed away on Friday, December 5th, 2025. He passed peacefully in his sleep due to natural causes. Mike was born February 20th, 1952, inIndiantown Gap, PA, to Pearl and Betty Patterson, who preceded him in death. Throughout his time here on earth, Mike chose to dedicate his life to the ministry and serving God. In pursuit of this he spent time working as a house parent at the Regular Baptist Children’s Agency, as a Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Shepard, Michigan, then finally as a Youth Pastor, Missionary and Staff Evangelist at Faith Baptist Church in Muskegon, Michigan. Mike is survived by his loving wife Virginia “Jenny Zirkle” Patterson. Mike married Jenny on September 6th, 1974. They were married for 51 years and spent 46 years serving the Lord in full-time ministry. For decades Mike traveled the country, ministering to small churches that needed him across the nation through the ministry of evangelism. He truly had a heart for the lost and for serving the Lord, he reached thousands of lives across America and beyond, touching more hearts than can be counted. He served as a pillar of support for many Pastors and others in the ministry that had no one else to turn to. He was always willing to listen and offer wisdom, council, and friendship to those that truly needed it the most. He continued to travel and serve God, spreading the gospel and reaching the lost until the Lord called him home. Mike is held in loving memory by: his brother, Denny (Barb) Patterson. Three children, Richelle “Riki” (Mark) Alber, Danelle “Dani” (Matt) Craig, and his favorite son Kail (Amanda) Patterson. Eleven grandchildren, Brenton (Brittany) Alber, Timothy “Tim” Craig, Kyah (Harrison) Furner, Jordan Craig, Riley Craig, Chayse (Sierra) Craig, Landen Alber, Ty Craig, Kendal Alber, Natalia Alber, and Macy Jo Craig. Three great-grandchildren, Parker Alber, Midas Furner and Season Craig. Mike was finally reunited in heaven with his grandson Wesley Craig after many long years of waiting. The service will be held Saturday, December 13th 2025, at Faith Baptist Church, 3593 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445. The family will be receiving visitors at 12:00 PM, followed by the service at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Virginia Patterson, 175 Manitou Rd, Manitou Beach, MI. 49253. Arrangements with Purse Funeral Home. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Michael James Patterson, please visit our Tree Store