×

Ted Kagy

MARQUETTE, MI – Ted Clark Kagy, died peacefully at his home in Marquette, Michigan, on Monday, Jan. 9th, 2023.

Ted was born in Seattle, Washington, to Donald Leckrone Kagy and Beatrice Ellen Kagy (nee Brown), on June 22nd, 1939. His family lived briefly in San Francisco, Ca., then moved to Hazel Crest, Illinois, where he spent his childhood and teen years, graduating from Thornton High School in 1957.

After a brief stint serving in the U.S. Army, Ted moved to California, where he spent his time working in construction, fishing and socializing. Ted was quite a combination of talents and abilities, working not only as a heavy equipment operator and surveyor, but also as a poet. He was self-taught, immersing himself in classic and modern literature, scientific journals, newspapers, and anything that caught his interest. He was always reading and learning, never missing a chance to understand the world around him. Ted was very gregarious, and his open heart and generosity drew people to him wherever he went.   

He married his first wife, Gay Hilliard, and they had a son, Joshua Kagy, in Marin County, California. He later lived with his partner, Marion Levington, and her two sons, Eric and David Gottlieb. Together they had a son, Ben Kagy, and raised their children in Aptos, California. Ted worked for many years for Granite Construction, retiring in 2002, and was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local #3 Union for 57 years. Ted and Maybelle Chang were married and lived in Aptos, Ca. and later Ted married his current wife Laura Kagy (nee Werronen). Together they had a son, Jackson Kagy and he helped raise her son John Clinton Millman. The family moved to Iron River, Michigan and later settled in Marquette, Michigan where they currently reside.   

Ted was an avid fisherman, which helped forge and solidify many lasting friendships. Ted would fish anywhere, but especially enjoyed ice fishing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Using his surveying skills, Ted helped calibrate numerous navigational systems on ocean-going vessels around the world, including United States Aircraft Carriers, and trained his son Ben on these trips as well.   

Ted was an old-timer in Alcoholics Anonymous, enjoying over 35 years of sobriety. He developed many deep and incredibly abiding friendships with AA members, both in California and Michigan.   

Ted fought against three separate cancers over the last 13 years. He entered into God’s Kingdom peacefully at home with his family and pets. The family is deeply grateful to the many doctors, nurses, technicians, receptionists, bus drivers, aides, and especially Dr. Cynthia Wiggins, for their devoted and caring help with Ted. The family would also like to express their appreciation for the support of UP Home Health and Hospice, for ensuring the comfort, care, safety, dignity and respect for Ted during his final weeks.

Ted is survived by his wife: Laura Kagy, sons: Joshua, Ben and Jackson: Kagy, stepsons: Eric and David Gottlieb and John Clinton Millman, his sister: Gwen Curatillo of Chico, Ca., his brother: Neal Kagy and Neal’s wife: Joanne Kagy of Prunedale, Ca., his brother’s widow: Gisela Kagy of Broomfield, Co. and several nieces and nephews. 

Preceding him in death were his parents: Donald and Beatrice Kagy, his partner: Marion Kagy, his brother: Donald Kagy, his nephew: Scottie Kagy, and his niece: Cecily Kagy.

A memorial is planned for Saturday, March 4th at Grace Good Shepherd Church, 1450 Hillier Rd in McKinleyville, California at 1:00 pm PST. Please email Laura Kagy at laurawkagy@hotmail.com for further information.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family, where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.