Kathleen Carol Zettel

Kathleen Carol Zettel, affectionately known as Kathy, was born on December 3, 1944, in Selkirk, MI to Kenneth and Anne (Houston) Blum. She passed away peacefully at her home in West Branch, MI, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and service to her community.

Kathy married Kenneth Zettel in Klacking Creek on April 20, 1963.

Kathy was a dedicated individual who wore many hats throughout her career. From an early age, she began working at Kenyon's Resort, assisting her mother in the kitchen, where her passion for cooking blossomed. Her journey continued as she became an integral part of the West Branch Library as an assistant librarian, instilling a love for reading in the hearts of many. Her creative talents were visible in numerous bulletin boards and craft projects at St. Joseph Catholic School. Kathy's career also spanned roles in clerical work at Hasty Clinic and in the kitchens at West Branch Country Club and the Harvest Grill. Most notably, she served for 25 years at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home, where her compassionate nature brought comfort to grieving families.

Education was always important to Kathy. She attended Withey School and proudly graduated from West Branch High School in 1962. Her values of lifelong learning and community service were deeply rooted in her upbringing and continued to guide her throughout her life.

Kathy was an active member of both the Holy Family Klacking Creek Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church, where her faith shone through her many contributions. As a Eucharistic minister and lecturer, Kathy shared her devotion and love for her faith with others. Her involvement extended to serving on the Edwards Township Election Board and dedicating countless hours volunteering for various committees at St. Joseph Catholic Church and School. Her spirit of service reflected her deep-seated belief in supporting her community and nurturing the values of charity and kindness.

Beyond her professional commitments, Kathy was known for her nurturing personality, characterized by her kindness and care for others. She found joy in simple pleasures, such as gardening, making rag rugs and quilts, crocheting and knitting, and canning the fruits of her labor. Many will cherish the handwritten letters she crafted to stay connected with the people in her life. Kathy's hobbies were a reflection of her creativity and love for her family, and she made it a point to share that love through every stitch and handcrafted gift.

Her generosity, active spirit, and genuine kindness created ripples of positivity in her community. While her physical presence may be gone, the memories she built and the love she spread will continue to live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth; her children, James (April) Zettel, Susanna (Mark) Mier, Dominic (Terry) Zettel, Daniel (Melinda) Zettel, Theodore (Melissa) Zettel, Eric (Angela) Zettel, Samuel (Laci) Zettel and Andrew (Sarah) Zettel; grandchildren, Steven (Sara) Zettel, Sara (Mike) Deyarmond, Emily (Kyle) Wangler, Seth Mier, Gabrielle (Evan) Alderton, Cameron Zettel, Dillon Zettel, Breanna (Jonathan) Moody, Adam Zettel, Aaron Zettel, Alec Zettel, Adrian Zettel, Alexis (Jon) Nemchak, Jacob (Phoenix) Zettel, Allison Zettel, Rebecca Zettel, Thomas Pruner, Cassandra Marshall, Tessa Marshall, Daniel Marshall, Abigail Marshall, Peyton Zettel, Kenzie Zettel, Sophie Zettel, and Grant Zettel; great grandchildren, Percy, Jerimiha, Annabelle, Faye, Jacob, Landyn, Emmerson, Kameryn, Lyla, Lillian, Lane, Atlas, Saphira, and Auroa.

She is also survived by her sisters Vicki and Virginia and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Terry, her children, Susan, Steven, Baby Zettel, and Joseph, and great grandson, Skyler Nemchak.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, with a rosary at 2:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Fr. Al Pillarelli will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com