Tribute & Message From The Family
I kissed Kathie goodbye for the last time on February 10. It was one of the hardest things I did during our 48 years of marriage, but, like her many friends and admirers, I am honored to have known her generous and fun spirit.
Kathie had great parents, Harry and Leona (Walsh) Schueneman, who gave her her start in Morgan Park, Illinois, on July 5, 1944. She enjoyed a close family, with siblings Dick, Tom, Susy, Herb, Bill, Jim, Joe, John, George, and Luis.
After graduating from St. John's High School in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Kathie spent a year in Guatemala, and subsequently was a member of the Maryknoll Sisters for six years.
She married me in 1971 and with me raised our children, Amy and David. Amy and husband Malachy Godfrey are the parents of Nerissa and Dorran; David and wife Sherri (Slotman) are the parents of Fiona, Alessandra, and Victoria.
While she had many things to be proud of from her work life, perhaps her greatest satisfaction came from caring for pre-school children in her Good Times Family Child Care Group Home. After retiring, she became one of the volunteers who tend the plants at Evergreen Commons.
My family and I invite you to celebrate Kathie's ever-living spirit at the Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, Holland, 2:00-4:00 p.m. on February 29; Kathie's memorial will include: 2:00-2:45, meet-and-greet; 2:45-3:30, tribute to Kathie; 3:30-4:00 informal mingling.. We hope to see you there.
Kathie, I love you! Larry
Memorial contributions may be made to Maryknoll Sisters or Evergreen Commons.
Condolence & Memory Journal
May Kathie's family find comfort in all the beautiful memories you shared with her. Rest easy Kathie.
Carol Gaddie Lockman, Winter Park, Florida
Posted by
Carol Lockman - Winter Park, FL - Family Friend March 04, 2020
Kathy's family--I am so saddened by your loss and not being able to see Kathy one more time. We first became friends in the mid 80's--me in Wyoming and Kathy in Michigan....and both family child care people! I was looking for her to meet again later this month when I travel to MI. She was a soul that is part of who I am, and made a difference to many. Hugs to all. Ginny Harmelink
Posted by
Ginny harmelink - Tucson, AZ - Friend March 03, 2020
Larry my deepest condolences
Posted by
Bernie Spitzley - Techny, IL - Family February 26, 2020
Our family is heartbroken to hear of Kathie's passing. Her joyous, fun loving spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her. Our son, Jason (now 28) loved Good Times! Kathie's influence lives on in all the children she cared for over the years. Heartfelt condolences to Larry, Amy, David and family.
Posted by
Linda Farr - Windham, NH - Friend February 24, 2020
Larry, Sorry to hear about Kathie's passing. We were surprised to hear the news. We will be gone when the memorial is held, but wanted to send our condolences.
Kurt and Joyce Tillmann
Posted by
Kurt Tillmann - Zeeland, MI - Acquaintance February 24, 2020
I am holding you, Larry and family close to my heart and sending love and peace as you learn to live without Kathie. She is missed by all that knew her. My son Dustin and I will forever cherish our time with her and your loving family.
May God cover you in love and comfort always
Posted by
Julie Cribley - Howell, MI February 20, 2020
Love you and will miss you much!!❤
Posted by
Julie Pung - Lansing, MI - Family February 20, 2020
She was so much fun when her day care children came over to adult day health. So sorry for this loss
Posted by
Karlene Krause - Holland, MI February 18, 2020
Larry - my sincerest condolences.
Posted by
Martha Winsche - Holland February 17, 2020
Kathie was a very bright light in the horticulture world with her love for people and plants!
Through touring her personal garden behind the house on the hill with Hort Club, or helping to name the plants at Evergreen, I got to know a very special and "in love with life", bubbly, lady. Her smile was as bright as the sun. I was blessed to know Kathie.
Sincerely, Sara
Posted by
Sara Simmons - Holland, MI - Friend February 17, 2020
Both my kids were a part of Kathy's Good Times kids care. We all loved her and always had a special place in our hearts for your whole family Our deepest sympathies to you all Larry.
Faith (Pete) Williams
Posted by
A friend February 14, 2020
Kathie Spitzley will always be remembered for her amazing spirit, kind personality and gracious smile. She loved life and everything about it!
Larry you and your family will be in our prayers, Be abundantly Blessed!
Larry & Lori Mourey
Posted by
A friend February 14, 2020
It was 1985, I moved to Holland MI. I held an Early Childhood Education degree. Kathie was in need of an assistant teacher. When I accepted the position at Good Times Family Day Care, I was also accepted into her home & family life. Larry, David & Amy, thank you for sharing Kathie with me. I send compassionate sympathy to you. I hold fond memories of Kathie. Her enthusiasm & drive for her passions became a role model for me. She set the bar high. These became the standards I expected out of myself when I opened my own Preschool childcare program. Professionalism combined with connections to clients while providing care & learning adventures for their preschoolers was how Good Times functioned. Kathie will surely be missed by the many whose lives she has touched. Thoughtfully Yours, Kelly S.
Posted by
Kelly Strebe - Janesville, WI February 14, 2020
Through Amy's loving eyes and words--I feel as if I've very aware the world has lost a special lady. Love to your family. --Kimberly Sabatini
Posted by
Kimberly Sabatini - Garrison, NY - Family Friend February 14, 2020
Larry --
I was so saddened to hear of Kathie's death. It's hard to believe -- every time I saw her she was so vital and upbeat, and always had interesting information to share. I know we, her Maryknoll Affiliate friends in Grand Rapids, will all miss her terribly.
You were her blessing on Earth, and she now is in God's loving hands.
Peace be to you,
Chris Muldoon
Posted by
Christine Muldoon - Grand Rapids, MI February 12, 2020
Larry,Amy,David and friends and family,
Was so sad to hear of Kathie's passing! She lived a beautiful life and touched the lives of so many people, most especially the litttle ones she nurtured in creativity and kindness at her Goid Times Day Care! My daughter was blessed to be one of those children. I have stayed in touch with Kathie more recently with her care of plants and landscaping at Evergreen Commons. I always looked forward to her creative Christmas cards and message about her life that past year.
May Gods love and the knowledge that Kathie will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who were touched by her life bring comfort to you at this time.
Sadly, I am unable to attend her Memorial service to express these sentiments in person but please know I'll be there in spirit. Hugs to you Larry!!
Posted by
Kathy Torrey - Holland, MI - Friend February 12, 2020
It was a blessing to know Kathie! She blessed the lives of everyone she knew! We will miss her greatly! My condolences to Larry and family!
Posted by
Peggy VanDenHeuvel - Holland, MI - Friend February 11, 2020
Larry my heartfelt sympathies for you and your family. When I think of Kathy I think of her huge warm caring smile and her exuberance for Life! Your wonderful memories throughout your lifetime will keep Kathy with you forever.
Marie Hamilton
Posted by
Marie Hamilton - Holland, MI - Friend February 11, 2020
Kathie was such a kind and considerate friend. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to the family. May she rest in peace. Clint Ray..Carrollton, Ga.
Posted by
Clint Ray - Carrollton, Ga., GA - Friend February 11, 2020
Mary Katherine was such a delightful person to share St. John's High Shool with. I loved her kind spirit. My prayers are with her family today.
Posted by
Antoinette Dwan - Ludington, MI - Classmate February 10, 2020
Larry and family, You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Kathie was a classmate and always tried to make our summer gatherings. She always had a smile to share. Sincerely, Jane Wyrick Conner
Posted by
Jane Conner - FORT MYERS, FL - Classmate February 10, 2020
