Kathleen M. Rzepka-VanLacken

The soul of Kathleen Margaret VanLacken (Rzepka) soared from her Earthly body on October 11, 2024. Kathy was loved by her family as well as countless people across the country who will remember her loving, generous spirit and unfailing optimism. Kathy was one of eight siblings in a lively loving family. She was a traveler who lived in many states including Michigan, Florida, Alaska and California. She was a schoolteacher who cared deeply for her students and ceaselessly worked to be a positive influence in their lives. Kathy’s adventurous spirit led her into the wilderness as much as possible. She hiked several sections of the Appalachian trail and cooked at a hunting camp in Alaska for a season. Kathy loved autumn Sister Trips hiking and camping in the Michigan woods. Perhaps greatest of all was her love for sunshine and family beach gatherings. Kathy was completely devoted to members of her family. She married Dan VanLacken on July 15, 2017 and together they continued to travel and enjoy retired life. Kathy kept close friendships with her brothers and sisters into adulthood and had an abundance of nieces and nephews who were like her own children in their mutual love and appreciation. Her desire to serve her Lord led Kathy to membership in the following organizations: Ave Maria Catholic Parish Women’s Society (Eucharistic Minister), Council for Exceptional Children, Michigan Education Association, and Michigan Reading Association. She made regular contributions to charities too numerous to list. Kathy is survived by her husband Dan VanLacken and five siblings: Janet Churchill, Joseph (Catherine) Rzepka, Judy Gaw, Sue (Steve) Bombard, and Patti (Cam) Comire. She is also survived by her 19 nieces and nephews who were such an important part of her life and her many VanLacken family members. She was preceded in death by her loving parents Joseph and Patricia Rzepka, her brother John Rzepka, and her sister Peggy Stencel. Visitation from 4-8 pm Sunday October 20th at Pomeroy Funeral Home in Lexington, MI. Rosary at 7 pm. Funeral mass will be held at 11 am Monday October 21st at Ave Maria Parish in Lexington, MI. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ave Maria Catholic Parish Women’s Society or Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Kathleen M. Rzepka-VanLacken

March 31, 1954 - October 11, 2024