Kathleen Melinda Wilbur

Kathleen Melinda (Schlager) Wilbur passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 26, surrounded by family. Kathy leaves an enduring legacy of love, friendship, and service to her community and state.

Born in Detroit in 1953, Kathy was the daughter of the late Raymond Lee and Mary Eileen (Thompson) Schlager, and sister to the late Lawrence Michael Schlager.

She was a proud Michigan State University Spartan, earning three degrees from MSU: a BA in Journalism, MA in Higher Education Administration, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration.

Kathy began her career on various local and state-wide political campaigns. She joined the administration of State Senator Bill Sederberg and was later elected to the MSU Board of Trustees in 1984, where she served until 1991. She then led three different state departments – the first woman to ever do so. Following her career in state government she spent 16 years at Central Michigan University, serving as interim president and other senior roles. She ended her career as the senior vice president of government relations at MSU. She was inducted in the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Even more impressive than Kathy's career are the countless hours spent serving her community through WKAR’s Reading Radio Service, The Zonta Club of East Lansing, the Women’s Caring Program, and other organizations.

Kathy loved reading anything she could get her hands on, but she could usually be found with a mystery novel or People Magazine. She also loved seeing Broadway shows, taking annual family vacations to Traverse City and Elk Rapids, and spending time with her friends. She devoted the time and energy to maintain many friendships spanning decades.

Kathy was always quick with a joke or astute political observation, and was renowned for her thank-you notes, personal correspondence, and gift-giving. She was constantly active in the community, whether that meant daily walks around the neighborhood or Meridian Mall, her son's sporting events, or a booster for the Boy Scouts of America. She proudly rooted on three of her sons to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Tom, an Ingham County Commissioner for 16 years and aide to two Lansing Mayors. They often managed each other’s political campaign efforts and dinner table conversations in the Wilbur household usually revolved around the minutiae of local and state political news – or MSU sports.

In addition to her husband, Kathy is survived by four sons: Thomas Schlager (Leslie), William Yellowlees, Samuel McCreary, and Raymond Thompson Wilbur. She delighted in her new role as grandmother to Mary Lewis Wilbur, daughter of Tom and Leslie.

In lieu of gifts, memorials may be made to the WKAR Reading Radio Service. Kathy’s legacy can always be honored by supporting any local library, farmer’s market, or local business in the Lansing area. Schuler’s, Dusty’s, Fabiano’s, and the Marsh Road Biggby were some of her favorites – and Kathy would always remind you to tip your barista.

A memorial service will be held at The Peoples Church in East Lansing on December 16, 2023 with a visitation at 9:00am followed by the service at 10:00am.