Catherine Marie Naessens

Catherine Marie Naessens of Merrill, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Merrill Fields Assisted Living. She was 91 years old. Catherine Marie McCormick was born on November 21, 1930, in Hemlock, Michigan, to the late Hugh and Agnes (Collier) McCormick. She was a proud 1948 graduate of Hemlock High School. Following graduation, Catherine was employed at Gaertner's Flower Shop. She met the love of her life, William P. Naessens, while attending dances at the Golden Glow Ballroom. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on April 29, 1950; he preceded her in death on November 28, 2009. Catherine was a lifelong member of St. John XXIII Parish - Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merrill and served on the Altar Society. The role of her lifetime was to be a devoted wife and loving mother. Catherine was employed as a secretary with Michigan Metals for over 27 years. Catherine enjoyed dancing, bowling, golfing, playing cards, and going to the casino. She was social, an excellent communicator, and held the innate ability to connect with all people. Catherine was an exceptional cook and baker and was known for her famous Christmas cookies, or as her grandchildren lovingly remember "the cold Christmas cookies". She and Bill loved spending time at Houghton Lake and their winters in Port Charlotte, Florida. Catherine left her indelible mark in this world through her grace, kindness and generosity, the love and care she had for family and friends, and for her quick wit and spirited remarks.

Surviving are four children and their spouses: Chris and Wes Garno of Saint Charles, MI; Louann and David Larsen of Merrill, MI; William H. and Wendy Naessens of Wheeler, MI; and Mary Naessens Schafer and Mark Davis of Freeland, MI; 13 grandchildren: 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one sister, Marge Siler; four sisters-in-law: Joanne McCormick, Julie McCormick, Mary Kenny, and Catherine "Kay" Matzke. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret "Peggy" and Bruce Ingersoll; two brothers, Robert and Jack McCormick; five brothers-in-law, Gerald Wolgast, Robert Siler, Ray Kenny, Edwin Matzke, and Raymond "Junior" Naessens; and a sister-in-law, Dale Bachula.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Merrill Fields Assisted Living and Elara Hospice for all the love and care they provided to Catherine and the family.

A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022, at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 419 S. Midland Street, Merrill. Rev. Fr. James Siler, Catherine's nephew, will officiate. Rite of Committal will be held at St. Andrew Mausoleum. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John XXIII Parish - Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.