Mary Jane Vrshek, 93, of Battle Creek, passed away at her home on November 12, 2021. She was born in Detroit, MI, on November 19, 1927, to the late Ovid P. and Elizabeth (McAlpine) Stancer. The family later moved to Athens where Mary worked long days on their family’s flower farm during the depression. She graduated from Athens High School in 1945, and attended Argubright Business College. She was a member of the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution). She was a member St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary, Post #298 where she was their secretary for decades.
Mary relaxed by gardening, working on crafts, and graciously besting her children at Scrabble. In her earlier years she enjoyed bowling and was on many leagues where she enjoyed the camaraderie. Later in life she joined the Battle Creek Society of Artists where she developed a passionate hobby in watercolor painting and folk art furniture painting. Mary greatly enjoyed attending the Barn Theatre for over 37 years and only missed one show when she became ill.
Mary was married to Wilbur Dean Teachout, who preceded her in death in 1957, leaving her a widow with 6 young children. She married Emil J. Vrshek in 1959, who also preceded her in death in 1993. Mary is survived by five daughters, Judy (Jack) Tucker of Otsego, MI, Patricia (Robert Malcolm) Pipe of Coldwater, MI, Christy(Dale) Brokaw of Green Valley, AZ, Star Teachout (Dan Adams) of Palo Alto, CA, and Linda (Tim) Cary of Marshall, MI; three sons, John Teachout of Battle Creek, William (Gretchen) Teachout of Battle Creek, Robert (Mary) Teachout of Imperial, PA, 22 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Ovid Stancer and her parents. Visitation will be held Monday, November 22, 2021, 11 am – 12 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 114 Minges Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015, where the funeral service will follow at 12 pm. Pastor Jack Langfeldt will officiate the service with interment to follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 1:30 pm, followed by a luncheon honoring Mary at the American Legion Post #298 on 20th St. in Battle Creek. Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Please visit
https://www.kempffuneralhome.com
to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family. Memorials/contributions in Mary’s memory are suggested to the St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Centrica Care Navigators, or American Legion Post #298. The family would also like to thank Pamela, and the exceptional Centrica Care Navicator hospice organization, and especially Anna and Amy for the great care they gave to our mother in her last days. For assistance with memorials, please visit the funeral home.
Monday, November 22, 2021
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Mark Lutheran Chirch
Monday, November 22, 2021
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Mark Lutheran Chirch
Monday, November 22, 2021
1:30 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Fort Custer National Cemetery
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