Catherine “Kaye” M. McLenithan, age 91, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Kaye was born on January 28, 1933 in Suttons Bay, Michigan; the daughter of Martin and Helen (Kolarik) Korson.
Kaye’s parents were 2nd generation Czech immigrants who raised their children “on the farm”, as Gram would say, in Lake Leelanau in Lower Michigan. With 9 sisters & 3 brothers, Kaye was the middle child of 13. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School & was later employed as a telephone operator with four of her sisters at Michigan Bell in Traverse City. Catherine met “Jack” while he was attending Western Michigan University & forever became his Darling Cat on October 12th, 1957. Their daughter and oldest son, Val and John III, were born in Kalamazoo. After moving to the U.P. in 1962, John & Kaye had 3 more boys, Mark, Tom & Scott. Kaye returned to work for Michigan Bell in Upper Michigan, volunteered at church, was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary & active in the Rapid River Booster Club while her boys were in sports. She loved to snuggle babies, made the best pie & could cook any critter Jack brought home. In retirement, Kaye & Jack enjoyed their road trips together & sang in the choir at St. Charles church in Rapid River.
Catherine is survived by her siblings, Philip Korson, Emma Gallagher, Helen Galla, Magdalen Gavin, Martin Korson, Sylvester Tom Korson and Ann Korson; daughter, Valerie Kobasic & sons John III, Mark, Tom & Scott McLenithan. Kaye & Jack had 15 grandkids. Although Great Grandpa only got to meet 1, Great Grama Mac got to love 10 great grandbabies. She spent her last few years reading stories, fixing stuffies & sneaking snacks before dinner daily with Bailey Catherine & Korson Allan. Grama Mac was always ready for the next grandbaby, perfecting a crocheted blanket well in advance. She raised a family of warriors, teaching every one of us to never give up or give in – what love, forgiveness, family & faith mean, right up until the very end.
Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Helen Korson; husband, John McLenithan II; sisters, Julia Rieger, Philomena Korson, Dorothy Bramer, Lucille Younglas as well as (her sister & best friend) Bernadine Gallagher.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 12 PM to 2 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial honoring Catherine will begin at 3 PM at St. Charles of Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon & birthday cake to follow mass in the parish hall.
Ron Korson - Gaylord, MI
Aunt Katherine corresponded more than 1x a month to her older brother (95), my dad/Phil Korson, for years. He really appreciated that and so did we, another example of how to be family in this crazy world. Living in the UP we didn’t see them very often. I think the last time was a Korson family reunion hosted by Aunt Catherine up there a number of years ago. It’s a great memory.
Another member of this special Korson family has gone to where we all hope to be someday.
May Aunt Catherine be resting in His peace and may God bless this family as they move forward with this loss.
Ron Korson
Ann Korson - Grand Rapids, MI
My sister Catherine was loved by all. We used to meet at bridge a couple of times a year. No one wanted to make the 5-6 hour drive. I used to take my parents at least once a year to visit. I always enjoyed my time with her. When I first got my driver’s license, she let me drive part way to Kalamazoo. Gave me some good experiences.
Dean Hartwig - Iron Mountain , MI
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Kay will be greatly missed