Janet Louise McKie

Born in Racine, Wisconsin, on June 28, 1923, to Jonas Hoke and Helen Louise (Tiedemann) Dressler, Janet was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from Edison High School in Minneapolis with the Class of 1941 and continued her education at the University of Minnesota where she received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education in 1945.

Janet hopped on the train to her first teaching assignment in Escanaba, Michigan at Webster and Washington schools. Escanaba is where she met Howard, on a double date. They married in June of 1947 and became residents of Marquette, Michigan, for most of their marriage of 56 years. Daughter Susan was born in 1948 and daughter Sara in 1954.

There were years when the family lived briefly in Minneapolis and Germany for Howard’s tour of duty during the Korean War. Janet resumed her passion for mentoring young minds. She was one of the first daycare teachers at the First Presbyterian Church Cooperative Nursery. When Susan and Sara were of school age, Janet taught at Whitman and Fisher Elementary Schools.

Long lasting friendships were made between her teaching partners. Having devoted her teaching career to enriching the lives of her young students, she retired in the spring of 1985. In her leisure, Janet enjoyed quilting, attending the free senior fitness classes offered at Northern Michigan University, and the Monday night suppers at Miriam Hilton’s home. An avid reader, she was always looking for ways to expand her knowledge and share it with others. Her passion for the musical arts was evident in the fact she supported every musical outlet in Marquette and was an avid concert attendee.

A good conversationalist, Janet loved to exchange ideas, was accepting of everybody and non-judgmental. She had a beautiful smile which she shared with everyone and possessed a welcoming presence. Janet also liked to have a good time and regularly had afternoon tea parties. On the occasion of her 100th birthday celebration at the Blackrocks Brewery, she delighted family and friends alike by singing. Janet was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in many facets from Christian education, singing in the choir, to serving as a church elder, Rachel Circle and Lunch Bunch.

Additionally, she belonged to the AAUW (longtime member of the performing puppet troupe), PEO Sisterhood, Delta Kappa Gamma, Marquette Golf and Country Club, Couples Bridge Group, Golden Wildcat Club, and Bethel Guardian in Job’s Daughters. Janet’s biggest joy and blessing was how much she was able to be a part of her granddaughter’s and great grand children’s lives. She gave them such beauty, love and faith. “Gma!! will forever be in their hearts. The amount of light Gma brought to this world is simply inspirational.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Sara (Tom) Moyle of Marquette; granddaughters, Diana (Andrew) Reeves and Chelsea (Greg) Thocker both of Marquette; great-grandchildren, Cora Reeves and Sage Thocker; her sister, Helen Ohnesorge; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Howard McKie; a daughter, Susan McKie; her brother, George Dressler; sister-in-law, Harriet Dressler; and brother-in-law, Paul Ohnesorge.

Services honoring the life of Janet Louise McKie will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on March 25 at 11:00 am. Rev. Gary Stevens will officiate. A coffee and dessert social will follow. Interment will be made in the church Memorial Garden.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.