Patricia (Melito) Fielhauer, 80

Patricia (Melito) Fielhauer, 80, entered peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, from the family home in Attica, MI on June 3, 2026. Pat was born May 12, 1946, in Berwick, PA. She was the first of three children born to Albert and Julia (Mattucci) Melito. The family moved to Utica, MI, in the early 1950’s. Pat attended Saint Lawrence Catholic School for 12 years where, among other things, she was a cheerleader and a member of the Homecoming Court graduating in 1964.

After high school, Pat attended cosmetology school and worked as a hairdresser until securing a position in the administration offices of TRW in Warren, MI. She married Thomas (Tom) Fielhauer on August 26, 1966, and they lived in the Utica area until 1979 when they moved to Dryden, MI. Pat was on the original staff of Malow Jr. High School serving as Secretary to the Assistant Principal until 1984 when they moved to the Chicago area. As Tom traveled extensively, Pat was his loving companion over the years eventually visiting all 50 States including many of the largest US Cities. She visited New York City so many times that she once served as a tour guide for friends.

After retirement, the couple purchased a motor home and circled the United States eight different times going coast to coast and border to border. They particularly enjoyed the National Parks visiting over 20 during their travels. They also traveled the Trans-Canada highway from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic and visited some of their amazing National Parks. In addition to Canada and Mexico, the couple visited China, Italy and multiple Caribbean Islands. Italy with her two brothers and their wives in 2016 was the highlight of travel for Pat as family was most important to her. In addition to Michigan and Illinois, the couple lived in Saint Petersburg FL for 35 years and the last 7 years in Arizona while always spending the summers in Michigan.

She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years as well as her mother-in-law, Margurette Fielhauer. She is also survived by her brothers, Albert (Janet) Melito of Sierra Vista, AZ and Joseph (Kathy) Melito of Traverse City, MI, her nephew Matt (Ella) Melito and their children, Aiden and Olivia and her niece Sara (Josh) Meeker and their son, Isaiah, and numerous cousins.

Pat had a love for antiques especially when browsing with friends. An opportunity to display many of her treasures presented itself when, in 1989, they purchased a home in the Utica Historic District. The home was built in 1885 and needed a complete restoration. The home was originally built for Francis Stead, spinster daughter of the Stead family on whose property much of the town of Utica was built. For over 2 years, Pat worked tirelessly to bring an old rundown house back to its original design – hiring professionals when needed, but she and Tom did much of the work themselves with help from family and friends. It was a labor of love and a grand place for Pat to put many of her antiques to good use.

Patricia will forever be remembered for her sweet and gentle spirit as she was always a joy to be with. Her family and friends grieve our loss but praise God that Jesus prepared a place for her in His Father’s house.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on June 6, at the Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, 395 N. Cedar St. (M-53) with Pastor Alex Snider officiating. Burial immediately followed in Arcadia Township Cemetery, Lum.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Imlay City Christian School, 7197 Imlay City Road 48444. Whether working at Malow Jr. HS or volunteering at Vacation Bible School, Pat loved the children, especially the little ones.

Arrangements were entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI 48444. Please be sure to sign our online register book at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the Fielhauer family.