Kathie spent her childhood in Hastings, Nebraska and Wichita, Kansas, growing up with her sister Cindy. Kathie graduated from Wichita North High in 1960. She studied early childhood education for a short time at Emporia State before moving back to Wichita to help care for her ailing father. While she was home, she reconnected with Joe Bazzelle. Kathie and Joe were married November 3, 1962, at the Trinity Presbyterian church. She later joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she and Joe were sealed to each other in the Salt Lake Temple. Joe and Kathie were married for 60 years prior to him passing away in 2022 and they both remained active members of the church throughout their lives.
Kathie had a great love for children. She was never happier than when holding a baby. She lived her life in the service of those around her and had a particular place in her heart for the care of children. Kathie had seven children of her own, 28 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Kathie’s love for children went far beyond her own children. She and Joe were foster parents for many years. Kathie had a daycare, Kathie’s Kastle, in her home for 53 years. In addition to the daycare, she worked nights and weekends at the Wichita Children’s Home for 15+ years. Countless children have grown up in her home. She was “grandma” to every child that walked through her always open front door. Kathie lived a life in the service of others and blessed so many with her love and generosity for multiple generations. She will be greatly missed.
Kathie is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Estel Joseph Bazzelle, of 60 years. She is survived by her sister, Cindy (Peter) Mies; her 7 children: John (LeRene) Bazzelle, Ron (Karen) Bazzelle, Kris (Dave) McClure, Jody (Suchada) Bazzelle, Betsy (Darin) Leap, Scott (Katie) Bazzelle, and Andy (Traci) Bazzelle; her 28 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 14th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7834 W 29th St N. Wichita, Kansas, with the Funeral Service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, in the Garden of Prayer, Lot 135B, Space 2.
For those unable to attend the service, the link below is for the live streaming of the funeral service:
https://zoom.us/j/95820429390#success
