Katharina Kirsch

Katharina (Kathy) Kirsch passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025 at the age of 86.
Kathy was born on December 7, 1938 in the town of Lazarfeld, Yugoslavia to Michael and Theresia Bohn. Kathy's childhood was disrupted by World War II. She and her family were driven from their home, and she and her mother were placed in a concentration camp. Being of a young age, she fortunately did not remember the many hardships they experienced but did remember the lack of food. After surviving the hardships of war, Kathy and her parents fled to a safer area in Austria with relatives. The family was able to immigrate to the United States to start a new life.
Kathy began school in the United States and later worked to fulfill her dream of becoming a beautician and opening up her own beauty salon. Soon after this dream became a reality, she met the love of her life, Matt, on a blind date on New Year's Eve, 1959. A whirlwind romance began, with Matt proposing to her on Valentine's Day in 1960. They were married on July 9,1960 in Detroit and were married for over 64 years. Kathy was proud to become a naturalized citizen of the United States later in 1960.
Children came quickly, and Kathy shifted her business aspirations to being a full-time, dedicated wife and loving mother. Kathy and Matt had three children, two sons and a daughter. Kathy and Matt were dedicated to providing the many opportunities to their children that they were unable to experience. With Matt's work schedule, Kathy was often in charge of her children's activities. Kathy was the mom that was always involved in school and her children's extracurricular activities. She was the classic sports mom, driving her children to baseball, hockey, basketball and soccer practices and games.
Kathy, Matt, and their children did a memorable 6-week trip to Europe in the early 1970s. They toured Switzerland, Italy and France and visited and stayed with Kathy's many cousins in Germany and Austria leading to many priceless memories.
Kathy was a wonderful cook, but her German cakes and desserts were absolutely amazing, always being the highlight of family functions. Kathy was also proud of her German-Danube Swabian heritage, being an active member of the Carpathia Club and the Frauengruppe (Women's Group). Every so often, Kathy would get the itch to work part-time. Her children's favorite job was when she worked at the local Stroh's Ice Cream Parlor which led to many delicious fringe benefits.
As her children married and had children, Kathy was absolutely thrilled to become a proud and doting Nana to her five grandchildren. She was always present at her grandchildren's school events, ceremonies, shows and sports events.
Kathy was a strong woman of faith, a loving wife and beloved mother and grandmother who will be very missed.
Left to honor her memory are her children: Matthias (Karen, MD) Kirsch MD, Michael (Chris) Kirsch MD and Frances (David) Grant; and five grandchildren: Alyssa Kirsch MD, Matthias A. Kirsch, Michael J. (Emma) Kirsch MD, Jason A. Kirsch and Nicholas D. Grant. Preceding her in death are her husband Matthias and parents: Michael and Theresia.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 3-8pm with a Rosary starting at 7pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights. Instate and Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at St. John Fisher University Chapel, Auburn Hills, MI (3665 E Walton Blvd., Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326) with Instate beginning at 9:30am and Funeral Mass at 10am. Interment to take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, MI.
Memorial contributions in Katharina's honor may be made out to the Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate
Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com