On Saturday June 1, 2024 following a brief illness, Kay Weppler’s 97 years of life came to a peaceful end at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Kay was born Kathleen Emily Biesenthal in Fort William, Ontario on August 17, 1926 (or August 18 or 19 depending on who you listen to; the exact date was a matter of some dispute and she seemed to enjoy the controversy). She was the second child of Robert and Emily Biesenthal. In 1951 Kay married Ken Weppler with whom she was to spend the next 37 years. Most of their years together were spent in Terrace Bay, Ontario as dedicated employees of Kimberley Clark. Following that she worked for the Board of Education in Schreiber. Upon their retirement she and Ken moved to Thunder Bay.
When you live to the ripe old age of 97 you tend to outlive a lot of your friends and family. Kay was predeceased by her parents, husband Ken, and her sisters Dorothy Turner of Thunder Bay and Marlene Arnold of Nanaimo, B.C. She will be missed by her brother Dr. Bob Biesenthal of London, Ontario, as well as nieces Heather Guild (Iain) and her adult children Dr. Nicholas Peterson and Emily Peterson of London, Karen Peacock (Adam) of Nanaimo, and nephew Dr. Bill Turner (Theresa) and his adult children Dr. Lauren Turner of Thunder Bay and Kenny Turner of Kingston, Ontario. She will be especially missed by her best friend and confidante in recent years, Janis Barker.
Kay was the very definition of a kind and gentle soul who touched many lives. She loved the North, her family, and her many friends. Kay was a fabulous cook and was especially well known in the family for her blueberry pie made from hand-picked wild blueberries. Kay and Ken’s home in Terrace Bay was the destination for many family Christmas gatherings, as well as the base of operations for countless fishing expeditions over the years.
Many thanks to Dr. Sellick for the excellent care in Kay’s final years, as well as the staff at Sister Laila Greco assisted living for their support and kindness. According to Kay’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Internment will be at Riverside Cemetery. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
