Kathleen Ruth Aper, affectionately known as “Kathy”, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2024 at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on April 20th, 1933, in Escanaba, Michigan, the daughter of Frederick Seger and Nellie Mae Aldrich.
Kathy spent her younger years in Rock, Michigan, on her family’s dairy farm assisting with cattle, selling potatoes, and tackling various farm tasks alongside her brothers. Her proudest moments include being a Drum Majorette for both the Escanaba City Band and the Rock American Legion Band, where she won many baton-twirling competitions.
Kathy’s career began as a Telephone Operator for the Michigan Bell Telephone Co., earning $1 an hour. Driven by ambition, Kathy pursued an Associate’s Degree in Medical Record Science and dedicated over 20 years to OSF St. Francis Hospital, retiring as Medical Staff Secretary and Quality Assurance Manager. Her retirement years were filled with volunteering at Give Kids the World and lending a hand at the Good Samaritan Thrift Store.
Her cherished time attending Sunday School with her Grandpa Seger fostered Kathy’s deep and lifelong devotion to the Lord. She was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church and the Trinity Lutheran Church in Florida. She passed on her love for the church by bringing her own grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to Sunday School, and volunteering and reading verses during services as often as she could.
Kathy spent the majority of her life in Rapid River, Michigan, relishing summers at her Round Lake camp. There, she enjoyed pontoon rides, berry-picking, and delighting friends and family with her exceptional stir-fry. Early on, winters were often spent in Kissimmee, Florida, She eventually moved there for many years until she returned to the Upper Peninsula, where her granddaughter Christa and her husband Paul, lovingly cared for her in her final years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Aper; brothers James, Richard, and Edwin Seger; and her parents, Nellie Mae (Allen) Aldrich and Frederick Seger. She was also preceded by special friend Ed Zambrzicky and many other dear friends and family.
She is survived by her brother Dwight “Peanut” (Lou Ann) Seger; sister-in-laws Lee Seger, Betty Lou Seger and Pat Seger; daughter Pauline Nedeau; and grandchildren Christa (Paul) McCarty, Kory Wils, Larissa Wils, Paul (Amy) Lippens II and Alexis Mayers. She also leaves many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; estranged children Peg (Tom) Lippens- Harvey, and Paul Lippens; and estranged grandchildren Karla (Shawn) Brandt, Kaelyn (Travis) Brassick, and Chad (Natalie) Nedeau.
Family will receive friends on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 12 noon to 2 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Services honoring Kathy will begin at 2 PM with Chaplain Brian Poe officiating. Kathy will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery next to her husband William.
Brian Seger - Escanaba , Mi
To a ant Kathy you where a great lady I had some great times over years the last time I came with Kelsey and Kristina see you is the best love you Brian and dawn and kids
James R Seger - Washington, UT
Aunt Kathy will be greatly missed by all. She was generous to a fault and would always talk to me whenever I called or sent an email. She was a bright spot in the lives of many family members.
Jim and Arlene Seger