Carolyn Stacik
July 1st, 1944 - April 26th, 2024
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Carolyn's Obituary
Mrs. Carolyn Kaiser Stacik, age 79, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 26, 2024 in St. Joseph.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 2 at 10:30AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph, 49085. Visitation will take place Wednesday, May 1 from 5:00 – 7:00PM with the Rosary being prayed at 7:00PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, 49085. Memorial contributions in Carolyn’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church – St. Joseph, MI or St. Joseph Catholic Church – Battle Creek, MI, and Caring Circle of Spectrum Health Lakeland (Hospice).
Carolyn was born on July 1, 1944, to Russell and Dorothy (Faud) Mills in Cleveland, OH. She married Richard Kaiser in 1969 and the two moved to Southwest Michigan in 1970. Richard preceded Carolyn in death in 1984. She then married Harold Stacik in 1990 and he also preceded her in death in 1998.
Carolyn attended Indiana University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1962 and returned to school to earn her Master’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1977. She worked as a nurse educator for Southwestern Michigan College for four years and then at Lake Michigan College for 40 years. Carolyn loved teaching and preparing her students for their future as exemplary nurses. She always treated each student as an individual, advising them as needed. Students knew she was readily available to help them in their academics as well as their personal lives. This was the life she chose for herself and readily accepted it.
Carolyn was a longtime, active member at St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was involved in various roles. She was also a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Secular Carmelite Community in Grand Rapids, MI. Carolyn was a passionate nursing instructor and was in involved in several professional groups including, Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing Honorary), National & Michigan Leagues for Nursing; SW Michigan Economic Club, Who’s Who in Nursing, Who’s Who in Higher Education, and Who’s Who Among Professional Women. Carolyn also enjoyed spending time with the residents at Hanson Hospice House with her registered therapy dog.
Carolyn will always be remembered by her stepdaughter, Deborah (Paul) Knuth; step-grandchildren, Brittany Knuth, Jacob (Jessika) Knuth, Derek (Anna) Knuth, and Hayley Knuth; step great-grandchildren, Ryan and Elliana; special friends, Anne Lightle, Sylvia Counts, Patricia Gedert, Alice Rasmussen; and her beloved dog, Gracie.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard; second husband, Harold; step-son, Mark Stacik; parents; and sister, Marylin Mills.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 2 at 10:30AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph, 49085. Visitation will take place Wednesday, May 1 from 5:00 – 7:00PM with the Rosary being prayed at 7:00PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, 49085. Memorial contributions in Carolyn’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church – St. Joseph, MI or St. Joseph Catholic Church – Battle Creek, MI, and Caring Circle of Spectrum Health Lakeland (Hospice).
Carolyn was born on July 1, 1944, to Russell and Dorothy (Faud) Mills in Cleveland, OH. She married Richard Kaiser in 1969 and the two moved to Southwest Michigan in 1970. Richard preceded Carolyn in death in 1984. She then married Harold Stacik in 1990 and he also preceded her in death in 1998.
Carolyn attended Indiana University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1962 and returned to school to earn her Master’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1977. She worked as a nurse educator for Southwestern Michigan College for four years and then at Lake Michigan College for 40 years. Carolyn loved teaching and preparing her students for their future as exemplary nurses. She always treated each student as an individual, advising them as needed. Students knew she was readily available to help them in their academics as well as their personal lives. This was the life she chose for herself and readily accepted it.
Carolyn was a longtime, active member at St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was involved in various roles. She was also a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Secular Carmelite Community in Grand Rapids, MI. Carolyn was a passionate nursing instructor and was in involved in several professional groups including, Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing Honorary), National & Michigan Leagues for Nursing; SW Michigan Economic Club, Who’s Who in Nursing, Who’s Who in Higher Education, and Who’s Who Among Professional Women. Carolyn also enjoyed spending time with the residents at Hanson Hospice House with her registered therapy dog.
Carolyn will always be remembered by her stepdaughter, Deborah (Paul) Knuth; step-grandchildren, Brittany Knuth, Jacob (Jessika) Knuth, Derek (Anna) Knuth, and Hayley Knuth; step great-grandchildren, Ryan and Elliana; special friends, Anne Lightle, Sylvia Counts, Patricia Gedert, Alice Rasmussen; and her beloved dog, Gracie.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard; second husband, Harold; step-son, Mark Stacik; parents; and sister, Marylin Mills.
Memorial Contributions
St. Joseph Catholic Church - St. Joseph, MI
St. Joseph Catholic Church - Battle Creek, MI
Caring Circle of Spectrum Health Lakeland
Service Details
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Additional Visitation Information
Rosary prayed at 7:00PM