Catherine Voshel

With a life that spanned more than a century, Catherine Voshel was a vibrant and loving woman who was completely devoted to both her faith and her family throughout her life.

During a year in which President Theodore Roosevelt made it his mission to preserve our nation’s natural resources and Oklahoma became the 46th state, 1907 was a great year to be an American. It was also during this year that Maertin and Anna (Baarman) Nnagtelkirk welcomed their daughter, Catherine, into their family on December 30th. Catherine was born in Borculo, Michigan, as one of five children in their family, although she had an additional sibling who died as an infant. Her father worked as a general store proprietor while her mother was a homemaker. Catherine attended Borculo and Moline area schools, but after the eighth grade she stayed home to help out. At times, she cleaned houses and during WWII, she worked in a factory assembling aircraft wings.

As a young woman, Catherine met the young man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Cornelius Voshel, and although they met before our nation became involved in WWII, they decided to wait until after the war to get married. Once they officially became husband and wife, they enjoyed a honeymoon at Niagara Falls. Sadly their time of joy quickly turned to a time of sorrow with the death of Neal’s mother while they were still honeymooning.

Once they returned home, the couple moved into Neal’s mother’s house on Lincoln and Twelfth where their family grew to include their son, Marvin. Their family of three moved to a home on Westend in 1950 where they celebrated the birth of their son, Carl. This house is where Catherine lived for the rest of her life. She was deeply saddened with the death of her husband in 1990, but she drew strength from both her family and her faith during this time. The family was very close since Marvin lived with his mom and Carl later purchased the house next door.

Through the years, Catherine enjoyed good heath and was able to pursue many diverse interests. She enjoyed playing traditional hymns on the organ and was a member of Seventh Reformed Church for over 60 years. Catherine was exceptional when it came to her homemaking skills as she was a great cook whose fried chicken and pot roast dinners were legendary. Many of her meals included the vegetables that Neal grew in their garden whether they were freshly picked or something Catherine had previously canned. Those who knew Catherine knew that each spring was marked by a thorough spring cleaning in her home. She also enjoyed reading and watching the news on television.

Catherine Voshel was a kind and compassionate woman who enjoyed many things, but tending to the needs of her home and family brought her the greatest joy. She will be dearly missed.

Catherine Voshel died on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at her home. Catherine’s family includes her children, Marvin Voshel, Carl (Linda) Voshel, all of Grand Rapids, grandchildren, Evan and Casey Voshel. Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Neal and her brothers and sister. Funeral services will be held (day) at (time) at the Chapel of Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard NW with interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory, sign her online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to West Side Christian School, 955 Westend NW, 49504 or the Radio Fund of Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard NW, 49504.