Obituary for Carol Diane Kegel (Johnson)
Carol Diane Kegel, 72, longtime Aberdeen resident and former teacher at St. Mary Catholic School, passed away on August 14, 2022 at Virginia Mason Medical center in Seattle, WA.
Carol was born on January 5, 1950 to Harold Edwin and Phyllis Lorraine (Everhardt) Johnson in Oakland, CA. She grew up in Stockton, CA and graduated from St. Mary’s High School there in 1968. She attended Seattle University, graduating in 1972 with her Bachelor’s in Education. She began her teaching career at Tacoma Catholic Schools.
She met her future husband, Robert Kegel, at Seattle U., in the newsroom of the university paper, where they both worked. They were married on August 17, 1974 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seattle.
Following her marriage, she moved to Aberdeen where she taught junior high science and math. Carol was a beloved teacher, well-known for starting a science camp program, a favorite experience among students at St. Mary’s. She co-authored a science curriculum for Cispus Learning Center that was used by schools statewide. She retired from teaching in 2003.
After retirement Carol was an active member of the Grays Harbor Homemakers Club and a Bunko group. She enjoyed crafting, mainly card making, scrapbooking, and quilting. She also enjoyed cooking and baking. Carol loved to travel and see new places, particularly casinos.
Carol was known for her smile, fun personality, and ability to talk to anyone. Her love of nature and discovery made her a perfect science teacher. Her warmth, generosity, and zest for life made her an amazing friend and community member. Her warm, caring voice, big hugs, and willingness to listen made her the best Mother and Grandmother.
Carol is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Kegel of Aberdeen; a son, Michael (Jennifer) Kegel of Seattle; two daughters: Jennifer (John) Sterk of Orlando, FL and Kathryn Kegel of Seattle; a sister, Patricia Gorski of Colorado Springs, CO; two grandchildren: Colin and Eleanor Sterk.
A celebration of Carol’s life will take place in late November. Details will be announced at a later date.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.
Carol was born on January 5, 1950 to Harold Edwin and Phyllis Lorraine (Everhardt) Johnson in Oakland, CA. She grew up in Stockton, CA and graduated from St. Mary’s High School there in 1968. She attended Seattle University, graduating in 1972 with her Bachelor’s in Education. She began her teaching career at Tacoma Catholic Schools.
She met her future husband, Robert Kegel, at Seattle U., in the newsroom of the university paper, where they both worked. They were married on August 17, 1974 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seattle.
Following her marriage, she moved to Aberdeen where she taught junior high science and math. Carol was a beloved teacher, well-known for starting a science camp program, a favorite experience among students at St. Mary’s. She co-authored a science curriculum for Cispus Learning Center that was used by schools statewide. She retired from teaching in 2003.
After retirement Carol was an active member of the Grays Harbor Homemakers Club and a Bunko group. She enjoyed crafting, mainly card making, scrapbooking, and quilting. She also enjoyed cooking and baking. Carol loved to travel and see new places, particularly casinos.
Carol was known for her smile, fun personality, and ability to talk to anyone. Her love of nature and discovery made her a perfect science teacher. Her warmth, generosity, and zest for life made her an amazing friend and community member. Her warm, caring voice, big hugs, and willingness to listen made her the best Mother and Grandmother.
Carol is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Kegel of Aberdeen; a son, Michael (Jennifer) Kegel of Seattle; two daughters: Jennifer (John) Sterk of Orlando, FL and Kathryn Kegel of Seattle; a sister, Patricia Gorski of Colorado Springs, CO; two grandchildren: Colin and Eleanor Sterk.
A celebration of Carol’s life will take place in late November. Details will be announced at a later date.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.