Marie B. (Wolfe) Kuehnl

BRUCE CROSSING, Mich. - Marie B. (Wolfe) Kuehnl, of Bruce Crossing, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at the age of 87, with family at her side. She left behind a legacy of warmth, love, kindness and cherished memories.

Born on July 14, 1936, in Ontonagon, Marie was the daughter of the late Joseph and Minnie (Usimaki) Wolfe. She grew up in Ewen, where Marie graduated from Ewen High School in 1954. After graduation she was employed at the Ewen Meat Locker Plant. That year, Marie met Clarence Kuehnl Jr., at a wedding reception, marking the beginning of a beautiful love story. On July 21, 1956, Marie and Clarence exchanged vows at Sacred Heart Parish in Ewen, embarking on nearly 49 years of marital happiness before Clarence's passing.

Marie dedicated her life to creating a loving home for her family where there were always delicious aromas and fresh baked goods. An early riser, she filled her days with boundless energy that impressed all who knew her. Marie took pleasure in gardening, and her desire and belief in the importance of healthy living ensured she provided her family with wholesome, homegrown food. In addition to gardening, she enjoyed bowling and was actively involved in the women's bowling league. Marie loved to craft. She shared her creations with her family and the community. She was one of the founders and a dedicated board member of the Depot Gallery in Bruce Crossing.

Marie was also dedicated to her community. She provided daycare in her home for families needing reliable and loving care for their children. Marie helped the American Cancer Society raise money for many years and helped with numerous fundraising pasty sales in the community. At one of her favorite annual events, the Ewen Log Jamboree, she found joy in helping prepare and serve the lumberjack stew meal that was so popular.

Marie is survived by four children, Bryan (Diane) Kuehnl, Barbara (Alan) Pahnke, Brenda (Gary) Keuler and Jeff (Rebecca) Kuehnl; nine grandchildren, Heidi (Bryan) Lynch, Greg (Brittany) Kuehnl, Chad (Jenna) Pahnke, Troy (Hannah) Pahnke, Megan (Matt) Keuler Janes, Jonathon (Katherine) Keuler, Ryan (Kelsi) Keuler, Alisha Kuehnl and Nathan Kuehnl; 12 great-grandchildren, Everly and Simon Lynch, Zoey, Lily and Bryce Kuehnl, Lucas, Nicholas and Charles Pahnke, Mason and Madison Janes, and Watson and Walker Keuler; her brother-in-law, Bernie (Frances) Kuehnl; and her sister-in-law, Judy (Cliff) Hill. She was due to welcome her 13th great-grandchild next month.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence; two brothers, Robert (Janet) Wolfe and Joseph Wolfe; and a nephew, Scott Wolfe.

The family extends a very special thank you to Milestone Senior Living Facility in Eagle River, Wisconsin, and the wonderful staff that gave such loving support and care for Marie over the past year. Also, a special thank you to Compassus Hospice, especially Erica, who offered so much guidance, kindness and support to Marie and her family.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. EST, preceded by visitation at 1 p.m. EST, at the First Lutheran Church, 200 N. Cedar St., in Ewen, with the Rev. Kay S. Richter officiating.

A luncheon will follow at Twilly's Sports Bar and Grill, 13909 U.S. 45, in Bruce Crossing.

A committal service and interment will be in the spring at the Maple Grove Cemetery, Haight Township, in Bruce Crossing.

Memorials may be made to SONCO Ambulance, P.O. Box 191, Bruce Crossing, MI 49912, or the South Ontonagon County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 33, Bruce Crossing, MI 49912.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.