Katherine Julia Purgiel, “Dolly”, age 82, passed away peacefully at MediLodge of Gaylord on October 9, 2018, with her family by her side. She had been a resident of MediLodge for 4 years.
Dolly was born to Stanley and Helen (Sobeck) Haske on September 12, 1936, in Roger City, Michigan. Her father passed away when she was 6 months old and her mother raised Dolly and her four older brothers. Dolly graduated from Roger City High School in 1954. After high school, she attended a nursing school in Petoskey and Traverse City and received a degree in nursing as a LPN. On September 17, 1955, she married her sweetheart Clarence Purgiel in Rogers City and started their family. Clarence and Dolly moved their six children to Gaylord in 1965 and completed their family with two additional children. They were married 61 years before Clarence’s passing in 2017.
Dolly was a great cook and her home was spotless. She enjoyed doing many kinds of crafting, including knitting, sewing, refinishing furniture, or making wall hangings. If times were tough she would get a part-time job, but her full-time job was raising her children. She instilled in her children compassion, love of God and each other, and that family means everything.
Dolly is survived by her children Jeff (Diane), Debbie (Paul) Jensen, Dan (Marie), Gary (Lisette), Carla Walter, Andrew, and Tom (Alyson); her grandchildren Sandy (Jay) Maufort, Jim and Nick Purgiel, Jake and Zachary Pasternak, Celeste and Gus Jensen, Bryce Purgiel, Ryan Bliss, Eric, Seth, and Lacey Purgiel, Brandon and Charles Walter, and Rachel and Andrew Purgiel; great-grandchildren Trenton and Ainsley Maufort; and brothers Bill and Ken Haske.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence; her parents; brothers Wally and Stanley Haske; as well as daughters Helen and Susan Purgiel and Monica Pasternak.
Her children would like to take this opportunity to thank the MediLodge staff for their excellent care of mom these past four years. In their care, mom lived out her final years with dignity, laughs, and love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 11am at St. Mary Cathedral.
Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Friday, October 12, from 4—7pm, with a rosary service to begin beforehand at 3:30pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 13 at St. Mary Cathedral from 10am until the time of service.
Memorial contributions in Dolly’s honor may be made to St. Mary Cathedral Schools.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734. Friends and family may leave condolences online at nelsonsfuneralhome.com.
10 comments on “Katherine “Dolly” Purgiel”
Dearest Purgiel family – so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories and knowing she is at peace and with her heavenly angels get you through this time. So glad you have each other. Thoughts, prayers, love, and big hugs.
Debbie, so sorry for ur loss. Dolly sure sounds like a very special lady & raised a beautiful family. Share your memories & stay close as your parents would want. Sounds so much like my mom too. Faith will bring you comfort. Hugs & love to you. Mary Vinicki Rude
So very sorry for your loss R.I.P.
Tom…I think the halls of Heaven are ringing in welcome to your dear Mother, and she and Clarence are dancing the Polka. It makes your heart happy to know they are together again.
Love and prayer…Rita O’Connor
I will always remember that sweet smile and her kindness and concern of others. Rest in peace, Dolly. Your cousin, Kari Sobeck
Jeff and family, Sad to hear about your beautiful Mom. She was a woman to be admired. I know that because of how your parents loved each other and by their good children. She is now with your Dad and the God she loved. Hugs to you Jeff. Jane Rowley-Smith
My prayers are with you all during this sad time. Mrs. Purgiel was a kind and caring woman. Rose
Our sympathy and prayers on the loss of your Mom.
Jeff, Diane and family, I am sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. I hope wonderful memories ease your sorrow.
I would like to offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, grandmother and sister. When I see somebody that has lived such a long and fulfilling life as Dolly has, it may make someone wonder why man has to die at all. But be assured, God gives us his personal promise found in the Bible at Revelation 21:4, where he tells us that very soon he will do away with death and sickness from the Earth forever, and then he will resurrect Dolly to perfect life here on Earth, surrounded by family and friends, which has always been God’s purpose for mankind and for the Earth.