Kathryn Morel

Kathryn E. Morel, 78, of Mason City, IA, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 20, 2013, at her home. A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, May 24, 2013, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 302 5th Street S.E. with Rev. Neil Manternach and Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiating. Inurnment will take place at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM with a Rosary and Scriptural Wake service at 6:30 PM on Thursday (May 23, 2013) at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Memorials may be directed to the Kathryn Morel memorial fund in care of the family. Kathryn was born March 3, 1935, in Jefferson, SD, the daughter of Orlando and Kathryn (Ryan) Beaver. In 1953, Kathryn graduated from Jefferson High School. She was a homemaker who loved spending time with her family. Kathy was a remarkable person who balanced many different roles throughout her life. She was able to be a loving mother who supported her family of five children throughout their formative years. In addition to her own children, there were always many of the children’s friends who found a welcoming presence and a listening ear at her kitchen table. And, some of these friends found a place to call home when they needed a place to stay. She played an important role in the early formation and growth of Morel Jewelers. Kathy traveled extensively and often entertained people in her home from the international jewelry industry. She had wonderful taste and her home was a reflection of the glamorous people and places she encountered. With her dry wit and the sparkle in her eyes, everyone enjoyed her sense of humor and her stories. Her journey from her small town upbringing was inspiring and she handled all the challenges and obstacles in her life with strength of character, grace, dignity and laughter. She was a knowledgeable person and a life-long learner. Kathy enjoyed listening to her grandchildren play the piano, watching Jeopardy and playing cards – especially Bridge. In her younger years she enjoyed dinner parties and dancing with friends, voicetrously cheering on her children at various sporting events, and being a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. In August of 1970, Kathy was featured in Life Magazine. She was a member of Bridge Club and Sorosis Club - the first Professional Women's Club in the United States. She was also a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life and she relied on her spiritual strength during the difficult times. Kathy took pride in knowing she instilled good values into her children and taught them the importance of forgiveness. She will be missed. Kathryn is survived by 4 children: son: Richard Morel Jr. and wife Kathy of Mason City and their children: Kara, Rachel and Bridget Morel; son: Kraig Morel of Mason City and his children: Dana Morel and her family: Michael, Richard, Serenity and Raymond, and Erin Morel and Jake Morel; daughter: Diane Morel and her children: Nikolaus Buss and his family: Preston, Alexyss and Parker, and Zachary Buss and Kristofor Buss and his family: Aydon, and daughter: Dawn Bruggeman and husband Mark of Edina, MN, and their children: Meghan Bruggeman and Katie Bruggeman; grandchild: Caroline (Morel) Bennett and husband Matt and their family: Austin, Ashton, Ryan and Ethan; and grandchild: Natalie Morel. She is also survived by two brothers: James Beaver Sr. and Earl Beaver. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son: Bradley Morel; great grandson: Zaine Buss; 5 brothers: Bill, Tom, Dewey, Carl and Bernie Beaver; and 2 sisters: Rosealyn and Mary Beaver. The family would like to thank Hospice Home Care and the Elderbridge Agency on Aging for all their wonderful care, compassion and support.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will take place at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery

Memorials may be directed to the Kathryn Morel memorial fund in care of the family

Visitation:
There will be a gathering of family and friends from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM with a Rosary and Scriptural Wake service at 6:30 PM on Thursday (May 23, 2013) at Major Erickson Funeral Home

Service:
A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, May 24, 2013, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church