Kathryn Jeanne Wurster's Obituary
Kathryn Jeanne Wurster (nee Luckhardt)
July 22, 1929 – May 4, 2023
After a short illness, Kathryn Jeanne Wurster passed away on May 4, 2023.
Kathryn was born on July 22, 1929, in Saline Township, MI, the daughter of Amos and Ilo (Bishop) Luckhardt. She was welcomed by big sister, Virginia.
After graduating as Valedictorian of Saline High School, she was trained by the town doctor, Dr. Gordon Prout, to do his office and clinic work. It was a job she always spoke highly of because of the people and her boss.
In 1948, Kathryn was introduced to John Wurster, the wonderful man she would marry on May 6, 1950. They settled in Ann Arbor, MI, and raised two daughters, Sue Ann and Carol Jean. Family was important to Kathy and John and they spent much of their free time with their extended families.
Kathy was a talented seamstress. After winning a sewing competition she was asked if she would make costumes for a synchronized skating team from the Ann Arbor Skating Club. She went on to sew for the group of about 30 skaters for more than 10 years. By word of mouth, her business grew and though she spent many hours sewing, she was always there for her husband and girls. When asked if she ever tired of sewing, she responded “for me, sewing is relaxing.”
In 1970, Kathy and John purchased a lot in Canadian Lakes and enjoyed the amenities of the area while staying in the campground. After John retired, they built a new home in Canadian Lakes and in 1989, happily left the big city behind. Kathy was an active member of Chapel of the Lakes Lutheran Church. She also golfed and enjoyed being out of doors especially gardening, boating, swimming and taking walks. She also took up tole painting and gifted many family members with personalized items. For many years she made quilts for Lutheran World Relief with the ladies of Chapel of the Lakes. Kathy always enjoyed learning new crafts.
Kathy was a warm, welcoming woman who treated everyone with respect. She valued her many enduring friendships. She was a practical woman who, if asked, gave great advice. Her sweet nature was apparent to all who met her. She enjoyed games and especially playing cards. She taught her daughters and then the grandchildren how to play Canasta and Hands and Foot. She will be remembered by her family for her “luck”. Everyone always wanted to be on her team.
Kathryn lived her faith and she instilled a love for God in her children. Kathryn and John had a strong, loving relationship and were a beautiful example of Christian marriage to their family and friends. Kathryn always expressed an interest in what her children and grandchildren were doing and she will be greatly missed.
Kathryn lost her loving husband on Valentine’s Day of this year. She passed away just two days before what would have been their 73rd Anniversary. As new Granddaughter-in-law said, “Grandpa must have one heck of an anniversary date planned”. Knowing that Kathryn and John are together worshipping their Savior, makes the pain of their loss easier to bear.
Kathryn is survived by daughters, Sue Ann (Ronald) LaDuke of Howard City, and Carol Jean (Marlan) Freeburg of Canadian Lakes; grandchildren, Peter (Erin) LaDuke, Timothy (Ashley) LaDuke, Bethany (Lee) Heerspink, Nicholas Freeburg and Anthony James (Marina) Freeburg, four great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Dabich, sister-in-law, Mary Lou (James) Bancroft, and brother-in-law, Warren Fisher; nieces and a nephew.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, brother-in-law, Melvin Dabich, sister-in-law, Barbara Fisher, and three nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held in Kathryn’s honor at Chapel of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Mecosta, MI, on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:00am, with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11am.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in her memory to Chapel of the Lakes Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.
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