Kathleen J. Apotheker's Obituary
Kathleen Jean Apotheker was born on April 17th, 1946 to Jack and Henrietta VanDyken. She was the eldest of 6 siblings: Jack (Cathy) VanDyken, Bette (Dale) Dyksterhouse, JoAnne (Mark) Dunlop, Connie (Ray) Winfield, and Fred VanDyken (deceased). The VanDyken family lived in many locations due to Jack’s military service. Kathleen graduated from Kaiser Slaughter American High School in Germany in 1964.
Kathleen is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years Frank Apotheker. Frank and Kaye met in Colorado Springs, Colorado while Frank was on military leave and Kathleen was visiting her family on a break from college. Kaye earned her Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern College in 1968. They married quickly, madly in love, on August 8th, 1970 and settled down in Kalamazoo, MI. They lived in many different houses (19!) throughout their marriage; Frank built the large majority of the homes. Kaye loved planning and decorating the new houses with Frank through their many moves. Frank and Kaye enjoyed playing competitive card games with friends and family and they traveled many places together, including Alaska, Europe, South America, and all over the United States.
Kathleen was a brilliant and accomplished woman. Her intelligence, strength, kindness, and poise were her trademark qualities. She taught high school English in several different schools throughout her career. Her passion for literature was evident to all of her students. She even made grammar fun! Kathleen earned a Master’s of Arts from Western Michigan University in 1993. Kathleen advanced her career in education by serving as an assistant principal and later an assistant superintendent of schools. She positively impacted many people throughout her career as an educator. Kaye’s laugh and smile were genuine and enjoyed by all of those around her. Kathleen was a devoted servant of Christ and ministered to many individuals during her life. She and Frank were very active in their church and had many friends through Christian fellowship. She was secure in her faith and looked forward to her afterlife with Jesus.
Frank and Kathleen were blessed with four exceptional children. Kathleen was very proud of their children and often said that having children was the best decision she and Frank ever made. Jacqueline (Colin) Martin, Richard (Beth) Apotheker, Julie (Michael) Smalley, and Benjamin Apotheker. 13 grandchildren were fortunate to call Kathleen Nana. Hannah, Devin, Kathleen, Jillian, and Axel Martin, Kayla, Anna, and Carys Apotheker, Harrison and William Smalley, Amelia and Claire Wynalda, Grace Welter. Kathleen adored being with her family and felt it was a precious gift from God.
Kathleen passed away peacefully on February 10th, 2021, after a battle with leukemia.
A Memorial Service will be held for Kathleen at 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 14th, 2021 at Faith Fellowship Church in Irons, MI. A light lunch will be served following the service in the church fellowship hall. All are welcome to attend.
What’s your fondest memory of Kathleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathleen?
Share a story where Kathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathleen you’ll never forget.
How did Kathleen make you smile?