Lois Jeanne Kagel

Lois Jeanne (Kaercher) Kagel, 87 of Midland, died Tuesday morning, February 25, 2025, at King's Daughters Nursing Home in Midland.
Lois was born in Watertown, Wisconsin on March 26, 1937, to Lester and Edna (Worden) Kaercher. She graduated from Watertown High School, loved her hometown, and faithfully attended all of her high school reunions up to her 60th reunion. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with her bachelor's degree in elementary education and was a member of Delta Zeta. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ronald O. Kagel. She taught elementary education in Wayzata MN, while Ron completed his doctoral degree. Together they moved to Michigan to establish their families and careers. She continued her teaching career as an ESL teacher, a substitute teacher, while raising her family. Lois and Ron joined St John's Lutheran Church, where they formed lifelong friendships. Her Lutheran faith was her foundation, and she was active in teaching Sunday School and women's bible study, later in life. She enjoyed the continued outreach of letters and visitors while she resided at King's Daughters Nursing Home, especially cards from the parochial schoolchildren, which cheered her day.
Lois was a lifelong musician, talented at the piano, saxophone, and bassoon. She was a founding member of the Midland Concert Band and enjoyed her summers playing with the Chemical City Band. Lois tutored many bassoon students, as well as continuing music lessons to continually improve her skills. She was proud of her contributions to the band, acting as the band archivist and secretary, and enjoyed the band's accomplishments at national festivals. She passed her love of music on to her children and grandchildren, teaching them piano lessons, and supporting their musical ambition.
Lois was an active member of The Monday Club in Midland, organizing trips, and acting as secretary and president. She was a dedicated fan of the Prairie Home Companion, which fit her wit and humor. She enjoyed camping trips, organizing many group trips with family friends to Hoeft State Park and Strawberry Lake. She especially enjoyed traveling with Ron to Mexico, Hawaii, Germany, Venezuela, Austria, Ireland, and any other domestic and international destinations. Most of all, Lois enjoyed time spent with her family, especially hosting holiday dinners to bring everyone together with family traditions.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Edna Kaercher, her brother John Kaercher, and her husband Ron Kagel. She is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Ted) Bukowski, Kathryn, and Sharon (Kagel) Calkins and her partner RJ Walther; grandchildren Debra Ennis, Kelsey (Ethan) Thompson, Gina (Jordan) Strife, Randy Calkins, Ryan Calkins, and her great grandchild Elias Thompson.
Funeral services for Lois will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, from St. John's Lutheran Church, 505 E. Carpenter Street with Pastor Josh Parsons officiating. Interment will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watertown, Wisconsin. Lois' family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the St. John's Lutheran Church for their senior outreach initiative or Midland Concert Band P.O. Box 2300, Midland, MI 48641-2300 https://www.midlandconcertband.com/how-to-contribute/
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored that the Kagel family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.