Kathleen Eisler

Kathleen A. (Schaefer) Eisler , age 93, our gentle mother, passed away peacefully at her home on December 3, 2021 , with her children by her side.

Kathleen (Kay) was born March 31, 1928 , in Maple Rapids, MI, the daughter of Guttlieb and Anna (Weitzel) Schaefer. As a sophomore in high school, she asked her parents if she could drop out of school to attend Beauty College .  They consented but decreed she could not quit college.  In March 1944, Kay received her diploma from the Melba Academy of Beauty Culture in Lansing , MI .   At the age of 18 she was the proprietor of her own beauty salon located in the St. Johns Steel Hotel.

Kathleen later went on to earn her GED from St. Johns High School in 1979.   In March 1994, Kathleen received a State of Michigan Certificate of Commendation for achieving 50 years in the licensed Cosmetology profession.   She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and enjoyed 75+ years as a beautician.

On January 29, 1948 , Kathleen married the love of her life, Gerald (Jerry) G. Eisler, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  They were blessed with 18 years of marriage and 5 children prior to Jerry’ passing in 1966.

Surviving to cherish Kathleen’s memory are her children:  Carol (Paul) Christensen, Linda (James) Vermeersch, Bill (Julie) Eisler, Mary Lou (Keith) Wirth, and Brenda Eisler; grandchildren: Derek (Carla Barrington) Vermeersch, Devin Vermeersch, Olivia Eisler, Brogan Eisler, Madisyn Wirth and Jarrod Wirth; sister, Monica (Jerry) Howard; and sister-in-law, Donna (Raymond) Eisler; several cousins, nieces and nephews.  Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald (Jerry); parents, Guttlieb and Anna Schaefer; siblings: Rosaline McMillan and Carl Schaefer, sons-in-law: James Vermeersch and Keith Wirth; and several in-laws.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 7 at 11a.m. , at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Douglas Osborn presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns , MI .   The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, December 6, 2021 , from 4 p.m. -7 p.m. , with rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. , at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns , Michigan .

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Joseph Catholic Church or Sparrow Hospice.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com .  The family being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.