Erna Mary KAGELE

March 19, 1934 – August 13, 2025

Erna Mary Kagele passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Kennewick, WA.

Born in Addy, WA, on March 19, 1934, to Henry and Ida Pein, Erna was raised on a dairy farm along with her siblings, Herman, Martha, Dorothy and Margaret, all of whom preceded her in death. Erna graduated from Jenkins High School in 1952 and made her way to Spokane for beauty school.

Upon completion, she accepted a job in Ritzville. A friend invited her to a party where she met Melvin Kagele. The couple were married on September 12, 1954, and engaged in a lifetime of wheat farming. Later in years, Mel and Erna enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and as far as Australia. Their most treasured trips included their camper, often with the grandchildren.

Our mother was certainly a product of her time. She will be remembered for her love of delicious cooking, baking, talented seamstress, knitting, crocheting, quilting and so much more. Our mother made clothes and knitted many coats and sweaters, not only for her children but grandchildren as well.

Erna was a very devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, supporting us all wholeheartedly with her time, talents and always a positive reinforcement. Our mother was an avid sports fan with WSU Cougars and college basketball as her favorite sports. She loved watching and learning from cooking shows as well. Erna was a member of the Menno Mennonite Church and was active in the Menno Women in Mission group.

The family would like to thank the loving care at Hawthorne Court and Ciel Assisted Living facilities.

Erna was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Melvin. She is survived by her son, Don Kagele; daughters, Connie Phillips, Beverly (Darrel) Kulm, and Jullie (Dennis) Simmelink; along with her grandchildren, Jill Warman (Tyler), Laura (Michael) Osborn, Kylie Phillips, Rory Phillips, Ian (Gretchen) Youngren, Shelby Youngren and Dusty Kulm; great-grandchildren, Alison, Dominick, Colter, Harper and Baylor; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 27, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at the Menno Mennonite Church, 1378 N. Damon Rd., Ritzville, WA. A private family interment will be held preceding the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Menno Mennonite Church, The KC Help, 324 W. Margaret St., Pasco, 99301 or Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352.