Kathleen B. Markel

Kathleen Bernadette Markel, age 67, of Lansing, MI, passed away June 1, 2015, at the Mother Teresa House in Lansing, MI. She was born on February 19, 1948, the daughter of James and Kathryn (Gremling) Watt.

Kathleen attended Michigan State University where she would earn her degree in Elementary Education and met her future husband Franz. She spent her entire teaching career in the Grand Ledge Public School system, which spanned 42 years and thousands of students in her classroom. Kathleen and Franz were married April 3, 1971, and shortly thereafter purchased their long-time home in Delhi Township. Kathleen enjoyed meeting new people and was lovingly referred to as the “Welcome Wagon” for her habit of introducing herself to new neighbors when they moved in. With her friendly nature and positive attitude she had a unique ability to turn someone she’d just met into a friend.

Kathleen dedicated many of her non-school hours to her children and later to her grandchildren. On top of these responsibilities she enjoyed sewing quilts, Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls, and calling or writing letters to friends and family.

Kathleen is survived by her children, Paul (Holly) Markel of Zeeland, Laura Miller of Cadillac; brothers, Jim (Jeanne) Watt, Timothy (Angie) Watt, Morgan (Sandy) Watt; sisters, Margaret (Bill) Blackmore, Mary Watt, and Pamela (Andy) Cooke; and grandchildren, Claire and Austin Miller and Daniel Markel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franz; parents, James and Kathryn; and brothers, Thomas and John Watt.

 The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing. The Rite of Committal will follow in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday and from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa House.

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11 Messages to “Kathleen B. Markel

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Carol Lewis
June 2, 2015 at 6:27 pm

Kathy was a very dear friend to me ever since our college days as room mates at Michigan State. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her through her friendly smile and laughter, amazing positive attitude and generosity of heart. She will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her in their lives. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends that her loving spirit will live on in our hearts.
Love, Carol Lewis & Family

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Dave & Kathy Berquist
June 3, 2015 at 3:14 pm

I was at Neff with your mother.. A very generous spirt. Her students were a top priority to her. Dave is in the group of Scrabble that she enjoyed. Peace to all of you.

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Jlynn Henson
June 4, 2015 at 9:19 am

Kathy was a cheerful soul. She was always sweet and kind hearted. I remember her 20 lb. purse that caused her shoulder and neck pain but always contained everything you could possibly need. I remember not being able to keep her smile and sweetness from infecting me. I remember how she insisted on doing everything for her guests and her family. She was protective, kind, worried, stern, happy, knowledgeable, thrifty, and from my point of view an amazing mom. I am so sorry for your family’s loss.

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Mary Beth Wiechert
June 4, 2015 at 5:39 pm

I worked with Kathy at Neff Elementary. She was a very compassionate person not only with her family but, her students and staff as well.

She was a gift from God to all she met. Now she is at peace. May you find Peace and comfort in all your memories.

Peace , Harmony and Love to all
Mary Beth

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Carolyn Gafner & family
June 6, 2015 at 9:50 am

So sadden to hear. I remember Kathy from Holt Track and Field with Paul and Chris. Then she joined the IHM Prime Timers. She taught us how to make pretty Christmas cards and decorations. Then she joined the Estes Leadley TLC group were we had many pleasant conversations and group fun. Chris , I and the entire Gafner family send our love and prayers for all.

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Silver Spitzley
June 7, 2015 at 5:49 pm

I worked with Kathy at Neff Elementary. As others have said before me she was very compassionate and very generous with her time and talents. She made sure she gave a quilt to those of us who had a “grandma shower.” She will truly be missed. May she Rest in Peace and my you as her family find comfort in the memories that you can share.

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Pat Tome
June 7, 2015 at 9:32 pm

I was so sorry to just hear about Kathy as I’ve been out of town. I enjoyed working with her at Delta Center and Neff. She was always willing to lend a hand and help others. She did so many interesting projects with her students and was so talented in the lost art of sewing. I especially loved her Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

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Nicole VanZwoll (Mosher)
June 8, 2015 at 9:22 am

I had Mrs. Markels for a first grade teacher at Delta Mills, a middle school teacher at Hayes (where she taught us how to play chess) and was also able to substitute teach for her when she was at Neff. What a wonderful woman and teacher.

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Steve and Phyllis Thornburg
June 8, 2015 at 5:55 pm

We are so sorry that we could not make the funeral because we were camping at a Rally with our GMC Great Lakers Club. Our thoughts were with the family (especially Paul, Holly, and Daniel) during this difficult time. I am sure it will be easier to deal with as time passes but there will always be a void in your lives!

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Roy and Tricia
June 9, 2015 at 4:29 am

Sorry to hear of your loss. Kathy was a lovely woman. Thoughts and prayers as you mourn and remember the many blessings Kathy brought to your lives.

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Carol Knowlton, Alpena MI
June 17, 2015 at 4:41 pm

Kathy and I were great friends at MSU. We exchanged letters for over 45 years. Although we only visited in person a few times, our letters kept us connected. We shared our families, events, work, hobbies, children, grandchildren and much more. I always enjoyed getting a letter from Kathy. I will miss her tremendously. She was truly a wonderful person. My sincere sympathy to all of her family.

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