Kathie Herkelmann

Kathie (Kathryn Lee) Herkelmann, 72, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Munson Hospice House, Traverse City, Michigan. She had Alzheimer’s disease. Kathie was born in Clinton, Iowa on January 12, 1953, to Leo Herkelmann and Marjorie Graybill Herkelmann. Kathie’s childhood and youth were spent alongside her older sister Ann, grandmothers, family friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her mother, a music graduate and the church choir director, made certain the home was filled with music. Her father, an elementary school principal, shared his love of numbers. Education was important to both parents. Watching University of Iowa sports was enjoyed by the whole family. Kathie (spelled that way because her mother played the lead “Kathie” in a college performance of “The Student Prince”) told of her grandmother supervising her piano practice, and of carrying her sister’s cello for her to and from school. Perhaps that’s why Kathie chose to play the flute and piccolo! Kathie swam on the Clinton YMCA swimming team. She skied, ice skated with friends and generally enjoyed life along the Mississippi River. Kathie played in Clinton High School’s band, orchestra, and marching band. Yea, River Kings! She graduated in 1971 and began college at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. There she also played in the marching band while pursuing a degree in business. During her college summers, Kathie worked at the National Music Camp (now Interlochen Arts Camp). Following her 1975 graduation from Whitewater, Kathie worked for a few years at Interlochen Arts Academy before attending Michigan State University, earning her MBA in 1979. She then began a 31-year career with General Motors in Human Resources and Global Compensation. General Motors provided Kathie with experiences in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and various locations in the Detroit area. Upon retirement Kathie moved to Traverse City and remained there, with the exception of a year in Door County, Wisconsin, until her death. Kathie was an active member of P.E.O., a philanthropic women’s organization supporting women pursuing higher education. Kathie began, unofficially, in P.E.O. at approximately age 3, playing an angel in her mother’s P.E.O. chapter Christmas programs. Kathie served on the P.E.O. State Board for 7 years, serving as the State President from 2003-2004, and leading the state delegation to the P.E.O. Convention of International Chapters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2003. She followed that by serving on the P.E.O. International Leadership Team on both the Finance and Nominating Committees. Through P.E.O. Kathie created great friendships. She was a member of the DC Chapter of P.E.O. in Traverse City after having helped to create Chapter ET in the Troy, Michigan area. Kathie was a giver. She offered comfort and care beginning with her grandmother who lived with her family for a time, and later cared for her sister Ann, her brother-in-law Byron, and good friends. She gave of her time and herself generously and without asking anything in return. Her kindness and generous spirit were quiet. Kathie became an avid Michigan State fan and enjoyed attending football and basketball games. Go Green! She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, knitting and teaching knitting, wearing cool eyeglasses, making trips to Wisconsin, bicycling, skiing, reading, swimming and other activities throughout her adult life. Kathie would say her lasting life memories included traveling with her parents and sister to the Rose Bowl, serving as editor of the UW-Whitewater Law Review, spending a number of 4th of Julys in Washington, D.C., family trips to Colonial Williamsburg, biking in the San Juan Islands, Washington, and attending the NCAA Basketball Tournament Final Four to cheer on MSU. Her greatest joys were her nieces, Meredith and Lindsay. She so enjoyed them as they grew up and was proud of the women they have become. She was always so happy when she was with them or anticipating their visits. Kathie was preceded in death by her parents, her wonderful sister Ann (Herkelmann) Hanson, and her brother-in-law, Byron Hanson, as well as loved aunts and uncles and some dear friends. Kathie is deeply missed by her nieces Meredith Hanson of Lake Placid, New York; Lindsay Hanson of Pennington, New Jersey; friend Jeanne Esch of Traverse City as well as other friends and extended family. Luke the dog sat by her side for months and loved her attention. He too, misses her. Meredith, Lindsay and Jeanne would like to thank the caregivers who helped Kathie with kindness, including Munson Hospice staff, and the caring pastors and Health and Wellness Coordinator at Central United Methodist Church, as well as all who sat with Kathie in person or in spirit. Kathie’s life will be celebrated Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, Traverse City, Michigan where Kathie was a longtime member. The service will be preceded by a visitation from 1:15 – 2 p.m. at the church. Following the service will be light refreshments. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at, https://youtube.com/live/hZqZ0_zL6ZY?feature=share. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Kathie’s memory to the Outreach Program at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St, Traverse City, MI 49684; P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund or International Peace Scholarship Fund, 3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312; Interlochen Center for the Arts, 4000 J. Maddy Pkwy, Interlochen, MI 49643; or Munson Hospice House, 450 Brook St, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Kathie Herkelmann

January 12, 1953 - September 14, 2025