Obituaries

 

Rita I. Kiessel

Died Aug. 26, 2013

 

SUTTONS BAY – Rita Irma Kiessel, 93, of Suttons Bay, passed away Monday, Aug. 26, 2013 at Tendercare of Leelanau surrounded by her loving family.

  Rita was born Nov. 18, 1919 in Suttons Bay the daughter of John and Barbara (Hahnenberg) Priest.  On Sept. 26, 1939 at St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay she married her loving husband of 58 years, Frank G. Kiessel Sr., who preceded her in death on April 29, 1998.

  Rita was one of the founding members of the Friendship Community Center.  She worked for RSVP, TJ’s, Truefit, Leelanau Fruit Co, Home Café & Kroupa’s.  Rita was an accomplished quilter, played bingo, and cards and she loved to get together with her family and friends.  At age 78, to show her children the importance of education; Rita worked studied hard, with the help of her grandchildren, and earned her G.E.D.

  The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Tendercare of Leelanau for their compassionate care of our dearest Rita.

  We are celebrating all of Rita Kiessel’s 93 years with the Kiessel Clan.   Thank you Grandma for being a role modeling and teaching the importance of community service, lifelong learning and family.  The lessons are gifts that keep on giving through us, while you rest.

  Rita is survived by her nine children, Willard (Elizabeth) Kiessel, Frank (Marilu) Kiessel, Janet (Ronald) Send, Donovan (Janet) Kiessel, Randall Kiessel, Gary (Betty) Kiessel, Victor (Janice Sue) Kiessel, Susan (Gary) Herman, Jason (Keri) Kiessel; two sister in laws, Jane Priest, Martha Kovarik Brown; forty six grandchildren, fifty two great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren.

  She was preceded in death by her siblings, Marie Stiemel, Gerald, Gordon, Ernie, Willard Priest, Bertha Kolarik, Ella Herman, Louise Herman and Emil Priest.

  Visitation will be held today, Aug. 28 from 5 to 8 pm at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 pm.  The mass will be held at 10 am on Thursday, Aug. 29 at St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant. Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery will follow the mass.  A lunch will be served in the church center.

   Memorials may be directed to Friendship Community Center, PO Box 51, Suttons Bay, MI, 49682 and/or Mass Intentions.

  Please share memories with Rita’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.