Kathleen 'Kay' Kuula

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Kathleen "Kay" Kuula, 86, of Ironwood, passed away on Feb. 15, 2024, just shy of her 87th birthday by three weeks while residing at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, Wisconsin.

Kay was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on March 9, 1937, to Dorothy (Stehlin) and Grant McCullough. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1955, and greatly loved music and singing, and participated in the school choir. Kay also sang in the church choir for several years and would attend musical performances in the community often, as well as her children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's concerts over the years.

A highlight for Kay was when she attended the "Jersey Boys" Broadway musical roadshow performance, which brought her to tears because she enjoyed it so very much. One more note about music being a massive part of Kay's life is that she would call her children, grandchildren, and many other family members every year on their birthdays to sing her unique version of "Happy Birthday." Her calls brought so much joy to her family.

Kay also loved taking pictures. She had many photos on display in her home to remind her of her travels, her family, and the beauty of nature.

Kay met her future husband. Raymond. at SS Kresge's, where they were both employed. They were married on July 9, 1955, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ironwood. Kay and Ray were married 65 wonderful years before Ray's death in August 2020.

Kay was a caring and loving mother, and as her children grew older, she decided to take a job at the Jupiter store in Ironwood working in the office. When the Ironwood Kmart opened up, she transferred there to work in the Human Resources Department, where she stayed for 30 years until her retirement.

In her retirement, Kay and Ray traveled to all 50 states and various other countries, visiting family whenever possible. Her family meant everything to her because of all the joy they brought into her life. Their favorite destinations were the Copper Country, Florida, Hawaii, Finnfest, an Alaskan cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary, and Finland.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; an infant son, Michael; a son, Robert; her parents, Grant and Dorothy McCullough; and her brother, Jeff McCullough.

Kay is survived by her children, Romina (Charles) Kline, Ed (Joanne) Kuula, Kathi (Gary) Wierzbicki, Karen (Bill) Nay, and Andy (Terry Friese) Kuula; grandchildren, Toni (Keith) Wilber, Amy (Joe) Eichsteadt, Petra Kline, Ryan (Jennifer) Wierzbicki, Katie (Andrew) Bejinariu and Tianne Kuula; great-grandchildren, Whitney and Kennedy Dankemeyer, Victor and Amelia Wilber, and Caleb, Maren, Finnian, and Avila Eichsteadt; siblings, Mickey (Margo) McCullough, Mary (Percy) Smith, Dan (Pat) McCullough, and Ann (Steve) Arthur. There are numerous nieces and nephews, as well.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood at 11 a.m., preceded by a visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. in the St. Joseph Room at the church. A luncheon will be served in the parish hall following the service.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation for the loving care that the Villa Maria staff gave our Mother. Kay always had a smile on her face as they entered her room.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home to assist the family and to honor Kay's legacy of life. Visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com to make an online condolence.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her honor to the American Heart Association or the HOPE Animal Shelter.