Emma Margaret Waibel

Emma Margaret Waibel Kawkawlin, Michigan Our loving "Mother", Aunt, and Friend was born on August 29, 1916, Aunt Emma passed away peacefully in the home of her birth on November 2, 2015, at 99 years of age, with her family beside her. Born in Kawkawlin to Joseph and Johanna (Graf) Waibel, Emma was known for her activities in improving her community and looking for ways to help her neighbors. As a member of the Apostolic Christian Church she was Committed to Christian principles, her faith was her strength. Struggling through the depression, she opened her arms to raise her deceased sister's children, while working to help her parents keep their farm. Emma maintained an orchard, a flower garden, and a pine grove that delighted all who came to visit. Her home was the center of family gatherings. The vegetable garden was shared with others, its bounty fresh or canned. She loved children and children loved her. Although and accomplished housekeeper, she was thrilled to join her nephew Bob in Beekeeping. The natural world had delighted Emma. Always a hard worker, she stayed active in maintaining her home; always interested in others, she continued to make new friends. Emma will always be remembered as someone who listened when people had problems, used her insight to share useful advice, and helped wherever she could. People know she made a difference in their lives. Emma is survived by her nephew "Son" Bob Stange. Also cherishing Aunt Emma's memory are thirty-one nieces and nephews; forty-three great nieces and nephews, including "grandchildren" Ingrid and Greg; and more than fifty great-great nieces and nephews. Emma was predeceased by her nephew "Son" Herbert Stange, her niece "daughter" Joanne Stange, as well as her six brothers and three sisters. Funeral Services will take place Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be The Clergy of the Apostolic Christian Church with interment following in Heavenly Rest Cemetery in Kawkawlin. The family will be present at the funeral home to receive visitors on Wednesday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The family request that you do not send flowers.