Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Kathleen M. 'Kay' Tenlen

MONTREAL, Wis. - Kathleen "Kay" Mary Tenlen, age 97, of Montreal, passed away on March 31, 2024, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood, Michigan. Fiercely independent and able she lived in her home until a brief illness before her passing.

The former Kathleen Mary Hanley was born on June 20, 1926, to John and Margaret Hanley in Ironwood. She graduated from St. Ambrose High School in Ironwood.

On May 23, 1953, she married Ronald Tenlen at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood. Together, they raised their family in Montreal.

She later worked as the office manager at Ahonen Lumber Company and then as the accounts payable and computer director at Grandview Hospital in Ironwood.

A member of St Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, Kay found solace and community in her faith.

She was an avid golfer and cherished spending time on the golf course. She was a charter member of Eagle Bluff Golf Course in Hurley and served on the Board of Directors for many years.

Kay will lovingly be remembered by her children, Kathie Munn, Michael Tenlen (David Zvanovec), and Jeffrey Tenlen (Karen); grandchildren, Courtney Maslanka (Joe), Christy Carbaugh, Jordan Munn, Jeffrey Tenlen Jr. and Jacob Tenlen; and great-grandchildren, Alexis Munn, Gracie Maslanka, Kendra Carbaugh and Peyton Maslanka.

She is also survived by two sisters, Jeanne Karr of Marquette, Michigan, and Adriane "Gigi" Bartels of Lakewood, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Tenlen; her parents, John and Margaret Hanley; and her siblings, David Hanley, Judy Summers, John Hanley and Eileen Hanley.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Kay's life will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, on May 24, at 11 a.m., with visitation prior to the service.

The family would like to express our gratitude to all who helped care for our mother, the meal delivery drivers, home health care nurses, the staff at Villa Maria, and the caring and compassionate nurses and staff at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital.

Jerald Rocco of Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, is assisting the family with the arrangements.