Patricia “Pat” A. Guldenzoph (Krup), wife, mother, grandmother and devout Catholic, died Monday, Jan. 12, at the age of 72.
Born March 17, 1953, in Plainwell, to Richard and Mary (Koval) Krup, she was raised in Wayland. She attended St. Therese Grade School and graduated with honors from Wayland High School, where she was active in many organizations and served as captain of the cheerleading squadPat began playing piano and organ for Mass while still in high school and continued for many years. She was selected as Miss Wayland and was recognized for her piano talent, later earning second runner-up in the Miss Allegan County Pageant.
Pat graduated with honors from Nazareth College in 1975 with a degree in music and education. She married Daniel Guldenzoph her closest friend and loving husband for 49 years, in August 1976.
Pat later earned a master’s degree in music pedagogy from Nova Southeastern University, also graduating with honors. She dedicated her career to music education, teaching at Kalamazoo Academy, Parchment High School, and for many years at Plainwell Cooper and Star Elementary Schools.
She created and conducted student concerts and wrote the school song.
After retiring from Plainwell schools, Pat continued teaching at Light of Christ Academy, where she again led student concerts and wrote the school song.
Pat enjoyed classical piano and played guitar. She loved walking and hiking, cherished time with family, and was always very generous in helping others.
Pat is survived by her husband, Daniel Guldenzoph; brother, Michael Krup (Judy); children Andrea Guldenzoph, Scott Guldenzoph (Joy), and Katherine Guldenzoph (Logan Bates); granddaughter, Elizabeth Bates; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mary Krup.
Visitation with Patricia’s family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St., Wayland. Memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 128 Cedar St., Wayland.
In honor of Patricia, and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Keep Memory Alive (https://keepmemoryalive.org/about-us/).
