Marion Elizabeth Kuebler

Marion Elizabeth Kuebler passed away on January 10, 2023.  She was born on August 25, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan along with a twin sister, Marlene Ida Rettig. They were the only children of Ewald and Ida Rettig. From a young age they were both trained in music and art and during grade school had advanced to playing in the Detroit City Youth Orchestra. Marion played the viola and Marlene played the cello. In addition, they were piano students of Helen Weber. At 13 years of age, Marlene died of tubercular meningitis. Marion lost interest in continuing viola performances but kept her interest in piano and organ. At age 16, Marion’s piano teacher retired as organist at Marion’s church, but had primed her to take over as organist. She filled that position several years and it is where she eventually met Melvin, who became her husband on May 31, 1952.

Prior to the marriage, Marion took 2 months off of all work positions to accompany her parents to Germany to visit their parents they had not seen in 25 years. Upon her return, she had a position saved for her with the Detroit Public Schools administration offices. She continued there until her marriage, later the arrival of her first born, Kim, at which time they moved to Alpena, Michigan. They lived there 14 years before moving to Petoskey in 1967, along with son Kurt and daughter Kristi, having been added to the family.

In 1970 Marion began her work with Michigan Department of State, serving 22 years, the last 15 as Manager of local Secretary of State office. In addition, she served as Treasurer of West Traverse Township for several years, 22 years on North Central College Trustee Board, 18 years on NCMC Foundation Board, and 22 years as Music Director of Harbor Springs United Methodist Church and Alanson United Methodist Church. Marion adored playing piano for the weekly church services at Bay Bluffs for the last 23 years, having started the service while her husband resided there.

Marion and Mel had a strong faith that helped them through many health difficulties. That faith was constant.

Mel passed away in 1999 after a lengthy illness. Surviving are Marion’s loving children, Kim (Betty), Kurt (Marianne) and Kristi (Tony). Grandchildren are Sarah (Tony), Scott (Micaela), Cameron (Nicole), Reilly (Christian), Jordan, Nikolas, Zakary, Peter, Maggie, and Anna. Great-grandchildren, Jude and Bodhi. Granddoggies also have a special place in her heart.

Special friends are too numerous to mention. They also have a special place in her life. They know who they are and how much they added to care and joy they brought.

Several years ago a special person appeared and took the place of her lost sister by asking if she could bring her string instrument and play with her at church, it was a “cello” and Marga Eickholt held that special place all these years.

In 1997, Marion received a Paul Harris Fellowship award, given by Rotary Club of Petoskey, for “making a difference in the community”. In 2012 she was awarded recognition by North Central Michigan College with a Founder’s Day award for dedication to the college. Marion also received many letters of recognition of her communication skills when working as Manager of Michigan Secretary of State in Petoskey. On May 6, 2022 Marion received an Honorary Degree from North Central Michigan Collage recognizing her as a lifelong champion of education.

A celebration of life will be held on May 25th at the Harbor Springs United Methodist Church at 11am with the family receiving friends at the church from 10am until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, Marion asks that you each take your family out to dinner and enjoy looking back on family remembrances. Donations in Marion’s honor may be sent to North Central Michigan College or Harbor Springs United Methodist Church.

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