KATHLEEN GAPSKE

Kathleen (Robarge) Gapske, age 73, passed away peacefully on Dec. 30, 2023, at Turning Brook – Alpena surrounded by her loving family.

Kathy was born to Wilfred and Margorie Robarge on Aug. 8, 1950, in Alpena. She graduated from Alpena High School in 1968. Upon graduation, she began her career at Huron Portland Cement Company. On Sept. 2, 1972, she married Richard B. Gapske and they enjoyed more than 51 years of marriage together. Kathy’s greatest joy was staying home to raise their two sons, Tim and Jared. She was always a very loving and caring mother and was very proud of her family. Her love of cooking had her trying new and old recipes for everyone she knew and it made her happy to see everyone enjoying her special dishes! Kathy’s sense of humor and her kindness will be missed by everyone who knew her. After raising her family, Kathy was employed by Inland Lakes Management for several years.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Rick Gapske, her sons Timothy (Michelle) Gapske and Jared Gapske, her sister Susan (Bill) Worthley, brother-in-law Jerry Wade, sisters-in-law Kathie (Jim) Hoppe, Barbara (Tom) Bennett and Lori (Craig) Combs, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Kathy is also survived by two special little boys, Bryce and Jaxon Kraft, who she loved like family. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Judy Wade, her uncles Earl McDonald and Jimmy McDonald, and in-laws Dick and Alice Gapske. The family would like to thank the entire Turning Brook staff for the daily love and kindness they’ve shown Kathy for nearly two years. Their gratitude also goes to Hospice of Michigan for their compassionate guidance.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20 at McWilliams Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 5 p.m. with Deacon Michael Roy officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathy’s name may be made to Hospice of Michigan – Alpena, or the Alzheimer’s Association.