Katherine Steck (Nemenz)

Steck (Nemenz), Katherine

Was granted her greatest wish on August 8, 2022, when she went to join her Lord in Heaven. She lived a joy-filled life of 101 years. Katherine was born to a boisterous, loving, and laughter-filled German-American family on March 5, 1921, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert C. Steck; her parents, Andreas and Rosa (Kloos) Nemenz; and siblings Rose (Harry) Olson, Andrew (Pauline) Nemenz, Henry (Leah) Nemenz, Albert (Florence) Nemenz, and Betty (Dave) Horvath; and infant brothers John and George Nemenz. Katherine is survived by her daughter, Dorothea (Bill) Henry; son, Albert (Vickie) Steck; grandchildren, Sarah Henry, Helene (Brandon) Ivie, Andrew (Becky) Steck, and Katherine (Chris) Melland; as well as 10 beloved great-grandchildren.

Katherine's childhood and young adult years in Pittsburgh were full of busy family times, school, church life, social occasions, and secretarial work during World War II. One of Katherine's favorite stories to tell is of the night she met her husband Al Steck. It was New Year's Eve, 1944, and soldiers stationed in Pittsburgh were out on the town looking for fun. Al and Kitty met at a celebration that night and from that time on, the young couple was together as often as they could be. Al and Kitty were married on October 20, 1945. When the war ended, they moved to Albert's hometown of Jackson, Michigan. In Jackson, Katherine was an involved member of the St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church, now known as St. John's United Church of Christ, where she was a longtime vocalist in the Chancel Choir. As a mother and wife, Katherine kept a warm and loving home, maintaining close relationships with her mother- and sisters-in-law in Jackson and raising her children with a strong understanding of the importance of family. She and Al were regulars at the German-American Club, enjoying the dancing and gemütlichkeit (fellowship).

Katherine also enjoyed performing with the Jackson Chorale for many years. Professionally, Katherine worked in a variety of secretarial positions, ultimately retiring from Heat Controller, Inc. She was an avid golfer in her retirement and played regularly with the "Duffers" at Cascades Golf Course. Kitty and Al spent their winters in Crescent Beach, Florida, where they were active members of the social scene, connecting and maintaining long-lasting friendships. In her later years, Kitty was a well-known friend, card player, and Wii Bowling League competitor at Vista Grande Villa, where she enjoyed her time singing in the Vista Grande Villa Chorus. Her faith was her strength, and she remained an active and devoted parishioner of St. John's UCC even through the pandemic and as her changing mobility made it difficult to leave her apartment, attending Sunday services over the phone and through Zoom.

Upon marrying Al, there was no doubt which university Kitty would cheer for: the University of Michigan! Al and Kitty enjoyed Michigan athletics and had season tickets for both Michigan football and basketball games. They shared this affinity for U of M with friends and relatives, and made trips to many Big Ten football stadiums when Michigan was playing away from home. These occasions were full of laughter, memories, and great Michigan spirit! Katherine continued to watch her Wolverines from her La-Z-Boy each season, cheering the team's wins and mourning their losses, but always ready with a big Go Blue! Katherine's greatest treasure was her family. Her steadfast love and unwavering support for her siblings, her children and their spouses, as well as her grand- and great-grandchildren was a defining characteristic of who she was. She was not one to dwell on the negative, and looked for guidance from the Lord in everything she did. The joy, laughter, and vibrancy with which she lived her life shine on through those she loved and the lives she touched while she was here. As lauded by a former employer, "You may look long, but you will find none better."

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 3:00pm at St. John's United Church of Christ, 801 S. Mechanic St., Jackson, MI, 49203 with Pastor Judy Goodrow officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 132 Years