Kathleen Parish Haehnel, age 61, was called to her heavenly home surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, November 26, 2018, after a courageous four year fight with leukemia. Greeting her at heaven’s gate with open arms and an adult beverage were her parents, William and Jewel Parish; her brothers, Daniel and David; parents-in-law, Milton and Vivian Haehnel; Junior King; and brother-in-law, Mike Rogers. The brokenhearted left to mourn her loss is her one true love and soul mate of 40 years, Craig; her most shining accomplishments, son Steve (Anna), daughters, Julie (Joseph) Klick and Lauren; her granddaughter who brought her so much joy, Vivian Jewel; grandson, Joey, expected to arrive March 1, 2019; her perfect-match sister, Pamela (Steve) Smith; brother, Joseph Parish; brother- and sisters-in-law, Donna Parish, Freeman (PJ) Haehnel, Beth (Tom) Marshall, Terry (Melinda) Haehnel; and many loving nieces and nephews. Professionally, “Kate” was dedicated to her career as a Nurse Practitioner. She provided passionate and personal care at Grand Rapids Women’s Health and was loved by all her patients. Personally, Kathi was radiant and adventurous, with a magnetic energy that surrounded her. She brought fun and joy to all that knew her. She said, “A good life is one that gives love and receives love.” The outpouring of love and support from Kathi’s Krew throughout this journey is a testament that she achieved both in abundance. She was the Storm! Visitation will be Thursday, November 29 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 30 at 2 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel. Dr Phil Johnson officiating. As one last selfless act, in honor of Kathi’s mother and brother, David, who passed away from early onset Alzheimer’s disease, memorial contributions in Kathleen’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter, 2944 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 4065 Saladin Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, https://www.lls.org/.
19 Responses
Her kind soul impacted me and many people. Best wishes and condolences to all her loved ones.
I never had the chance to get to know Kathleen, but I had the luck of being roommates with Lauren in college. If any part of Lauren’s love, patience, kindness, loyalty, or strength came from her mother, then Kathleen must have been an incredible force. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thoughts, love and prayers go out to all. She truly was the most kind, caring and loving soul. She will be missed. Kathi touched everyone she met. My heart goes out to you, Craig and your family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss!
So very sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the whole family. Prayers and hugs.
Pam and family
I am sorry about your beloved sister passing.
May her soul Rest In Peace.
Time is the best healer.
I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live and love just a little bit better, that’s our Kathi !!She was a very special person.♥️
Such grace, such love! Holding all of you in my heart as you grieve such a tremendous loss.
With love, Shelly Urbane
Craig please accept my sympathy. I am praying for you and the family. She was a beautiful lady.
So sorry to hear this. Our prayers and thoughts are with Craig and the whole family.
To Kathi’s Family,
I am so sad to hear of her passing. I knew her from NHS & was blessed to see her & spend a little time with her in 2015, when I moved back to GR for Spring & Summer. She invited me to the house & actually sent me home with a few things that I am FOREVER grateful. She’sne-of-a-kind” that no other can compare. Everything about her is radiant. Words, tho closely fitting, just can’t define or describe her.
I pray that God give you peace in the days ahead. Know she sits with Our Heavenly Father and waits till we meet her there & see her again. Godspeed My Friend.
#warriorwonthefight
To The Haehnel Family:
We were saddened to hear of Kathi’s passing. Her warm smile and welcoming personality will be missed by all who knew her.
Our hearts and thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
With love,
Rob and Deborah Young
We are so very sorry to hear about Kathy’s illness. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
To Kathi’s family,
Please accept Paul and my deepest sympathies. Kathi was always smiling and a pleasure to be around. We will miss her.
Dearest Craig, Wendi and I are saddened beyond belief. Kathy will always be remembered as absolutely the best person in the world. We will cherish our friendship we had with you and Kathy and always keep the great memories close to our heart. Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family along with our prayers.
Love,
Norm + Wendi Davidson.
What a beautiful soul. She will always be remembered as such. My son was her birthday buddy and Corey loved her very much.
Our hearts go out to you all. I’m wrapping you in a warm hug surrounded with prayer. From the Family of Laurie Haehnel -Emmons-Sims, our deepest heartfelt sympathy.
My husband and I never had the opportunity to meet Kathy. We were introduced to her site Kathy’s Krew just recently. Once we started to follow her site it was apparent to us that she fought a couragest battle. Every picture of Kathy you could see her smile and feel the love she had for family, friends and life.
Our deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends.
Freeman, I am so so sorry for your loss. Glory to God, that she is now in Heaven happy and whole and free! My heart aches for you and your family. Sending you a big bear hug my friend.