"Kay was always 1 to present herself in a happy, complimentary, pleasant and selfless attitude to brighten the company she was with. I will miss her and always hold fond memories of our time over the years! God Bless and Peace to you all whom were closest to her. Brian"
In loving memory of
KATHLEEN MAE (KEPLER) TAUCH
April 26, 1926 - June 28, 2022
Kathleen Mae (Kepler) Tauch was born on April 26, 1926 in Ewen, MI to Eugene and Pearl (Bruno) Kepler and passed away peacefully on June 28, 2022 at Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.
Upon graduation from Graveraet in 1944, Kathleen began nursing school in lower Michigan, though ultimately missed Marquette and came home. While she never became a nurse, she continued caring for numerous loved ones throughout her life along with volunteering hundreds of hours at Beacon House and Jacobetti Home for Veterans well into her 80's.
Kathleen married Jack E. Kivela in 1948 and lived in lower Michigan and Escanaba until 1963 when she and her four children returned to Marquette. She was employed at Bunny Bread as a bookkeeper for 24 years, retiring in 1988. Kay then got a kick out of working part-time at the former Winslow's Hallmark until 1999.
In 1986, Kathleen married Jack G. Tauch and made many happy memories with family and friends at Middle Island Point. Those wonderful, carefree days will live in her grandchildren's hearts forever.
Kathleen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Marquette General Hospital Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution Onagomingkway Chapter, Ladies of Elks #405, and American Legion Auxiliary #44.
Kay loved the Upper Peninsula and as a child often enjoyed taking the train to visit her maternal grandparents in Ewen, returning throughout her life to visit with cousins. She had a passion for speed skating- the Palestra was a second home- and continued to ice skate into her 70's. Kay was a strong, independent woman, and a marvelous role model. Raising her children partly as a single parent, she taught them perseverance coupled with humor and they never did without.
Kathleen is survived by her children, Kristine (Nick) Gualazzi of Marquette, Kathleen (Michael, deceased) Muirhead of Manlius, NY, Timothy (Dawn) Kivela of Burnsville, MN, and Jon Kivela of Casper, WY; her adored grandchildren, Paloma Caskey of Portland, OR, Troy Kivela of Menifee, CA, and Krysta Kivela of Huntington Beach, CA; step-grandchildren, Nick Gualazzi of Austin, TX, Christina (Matthew Goldman) Gualazzi and Annabel (Trevor Hautamaki) Gualazzi of Los Angeles, CA, and Eric Carranza of St. Paul, MN; step-great-grandchildren, Elise Carranza of St. Paul, MN and Jude Hautamaki of Los Angeles, CA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Tauch; and siblings, Patricia Dixon and Richard Kepler.
A private celebration of Kathleen's life is planned for next summer when family scattered coast to coast can be together.
Kathleen's family would like to thank those who provided loving and compassionate care to Kay-Kay (as she was known at Eastwood), in particular, her angel, Rose Moffatt.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Eastwood Nursing Center's Activity Fund, 900 Maas St., Negaunee, MI 49866
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Kathleen's family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Kathleen, Kristine and family. Im so sorry to hear of mama Kay's passing. My heart hurts. She sure was a beautiful lady...one of a kind! Always greeted me with a big hug...and the shenanigans! Mashed potatoes and gravy she left on my porch one morning ( she knew that was my favorite after a night out) ? She had a wonderful life, with lots of love for everyone ? BIG HUGS to you all!"
"I was raised on Bluff street and had many good times with Jon and Tim. When I was down at their house Kay really did make you feel at home. When ever I would run into her, she always had something nice to say and would ask me how everyone was doing in my family, so caring. Her personality was awesome along with her smile. Of coarse all of our mom's were special, but Kay was at the top of the list. Take care all. Dave Balbierz "
"Kay Kay was my mothers best friend since grade school. She was an awesome lady, with a ton of class ! Rest In Peace ??Tom Myers "
"My deepest sympathies go out to Kay's family. I have many nice memories of such a nice lady while I lived in Marquette. She was always good for a laugh or two and made a point of making me feel special whenever I saw her. It would be nice to catch up with you Kris and Kathy, I am on FB under Connie (Wahlstrom) Gordon. Again condolences go out to all the family for your loss. Connie"
"I will always remember Kay and my Mom singing the army flight song together up at Eastwood, they had a crowd at the door smiling and cheering them on. I?m very sorry I never got to share that martini with her, she had great stories and was always up for a little fun and mischief. An original and classy gal! I will miss this lovely woman! "