Kardia Kacel

Kardia and her family were moved from Zielona to Emsdetten, Germany during the Baltic Resettlement of 1939, at the beginning of World War II.  She moved to Denmark in 1944 to help care for cousins who lost their mother and in November 1956, Kardia embarked a ship from Bremerhaven, Germany bound for New York, with intentions of settling in Michigan with her family.  Shortly upon arriving in the Detroit area, a family member hosted a gathering where fate would have her meet the love of her life.  They eventually married, settled in Warren, Michigan, and raised three children together.  

Her new life in America brought challenges as she studied diligently to learn English and drive. She finally became a naturalized citizen in January 1962.  An accomplished seamstress, she utilized her talents to contribute to their household and also create memorable, award winning costumes for Halloween and contests.  Always creative, some of her most memorable creations were cakes and gingerbread houses.  The gingerbread houses that were featured in the news, she stored and displayed year after year. They grew smaller each year as her grandchildren snuck beneath their covers and nibbled them to pieces.  She never was upset, probably because the joke was on us. The gumdrops were probably twenty years old.

Kay, as she was known to friends and community members, occasionally shared the heart wrenching, terrifying, and more pleasant stories of her life during World War II.  Many are lost to her memory, as they were too painful to tell. An avid traveler, her recollections of the beautiful places she visited and lived were often vivid enough to paint pictures of them.  Forever a caregiver and steward of her Christian faith, she shared her time with residents of local nursing homes, grew and supported a food bank program in her church, and supported several other causes.  

With him once more, dancing under the stars, her beloved husband, Kenneth L. Kacel predeceased her in 2015.  Surviving are her children: Karl (Cynthia) Kacel, Kenneth (Linda) Kacel, and Karen (Patrick) McKenna; grandchildren: Jessi McKenna, Philip (Christine) McKenna, Adam McKenna; Tarah Caverly, Kendra Kacel, Zachary Kacel, Leah MacLean, Seth (Audrey) Kacel, Caila Kacel; Sherry (Keith) Clarkson, and Rachel (Lisa) Switchel; and great-grandchildren: Colin and Meara Snyder, Hunter and Harmony Caverly, McKenzie Hough, Myles and Piper Clarkson, and Maggie McKenna.  Also surviving are her brother, Karl (Florie) Wurfel, and sister, Linda Haught.

Kardia will lie in state on Saturday, May 30th, 2020 from 2:00 pm until the time of her Funeral Service at 3:00 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 11701 East 12 Mile in Warren, Michigan.

***Please note that due to the Corona Virus, masks are required (not optional) at the church for all of those in attendance. ***

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of Kardia at her guest book below.