Mary Kathleen Michalek, 03 Oct 1921 - 17 Jul 2008

MICHALEK, MCGIVERN, KUEBLER

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 7/20/2008 at 21:37:43

Mary Kathleen McGivern Michalek, 86, of Victor, IA, died Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Belle Plaine Nursing & Rehab Center following a brief illness. Per her wishes, she has been cremated. Survivors include her children, Maria (Joe) McNeil of Gun Barrel City, TX, Sean Michalek of Victor, IA, Angela (Tim) Butler of Kansas City, MO, Rita Michalek of Belle Plaine, IA, Karin (Jeff) Wheeler of Washington, IA, Brien (Debra) Michalek of Victor, IA, Jo (Jim) Moulton of Salt Lake City, UT, Brendan (Deborah) Michalek of Pella, IA; Sisters, Rita Maharry of Dana Pointe, CA, & Connie Graham of Peachtree City, GA; Brother, Kevin McGivern of Marengo, IA.Also surviving are 24 grandchildren & 18 great grandchildren who fondly remember her as 'Grandma the Great'.Kathleen's faith and family were central in her life. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband (Charlie), infant sons (James Charles and Francis) and sister (Rose Hogan).Mary Kathleen McGivern was born October 03, 1921 in Marengo, IA the daughter of Francis & Carolyn Kathryn (Kuebler) McGivern. She married Charles J. Michalek on January 11, 1943 in Marengo, IA. She graduated from Marengo High School and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from U.N.I. She taught in a one-room school house south of Marengo. She also taught at St. John's Catholic School, B.G.M., H.L.V., Washington Elementary, Prairie High School in Iowa and Jefferson Parish, LA.Kathleen was a member of St. Bridget Church in Victor and a choir director for many years. She was president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and active in Poweshiek-Iowa Right to Life. During her tenure, she was instrumental in the building of a chapel at the Iowa Woman's Prison.Online condolences may be left by visiting www.iowacremation.com under "obituaries" or be mailed to: Brien Michalek, 1097 Hwy 6 Trail, Victor, IA 52347.There will be a memorial service held at 11:00am on Saturday August 30th at St. Bridget Church, Victor , Iowa. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to "Kathleen Michalek Memorial Fund."

Cedar Rapids Gazette, 20 July 08, 4b