Wilma K. Kresel

Wilma K. Kresel, 89, of Morocco, passed away Friday, March 18, 2016 at Franciscan Health Rensselaer. She was born in Jasper County on August 8, 1926 to the late John T. and Ester Katzbach. Life for Wilma began as a farmer’s daughter followed by attending South Newton and graduating from Rensselaer High School in 1944. She graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis with a degree in education, which then led to a music teaching position in Jasper County and two other cities in Indiana.

Even more music entered her life when she studied pipe organ one summer with George Kresel. He had come home to Rensselaer from vacation at DePauw University in Greencastle where he was completing a Master of Music degree. This led to their marriage at DePauw University on March 14, 1953, followed by continued study at Butler University in 1956, where George received a Bachelor of Divinity, and Wilma completed courses in elementary school teaching and earned her teaching license which provided yearly employment as a classroom teacher.

Wilma and George then moved to Boston University for his study, where he received his Doctorate of Theology in 1961. George’s first teaching position as professor was at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania. Also, from that time on, George continued providing organ music for churches and concert halls, and Wilma earned her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and taught elementary school in the Chester Public Schools for five years.

In 1965, Wilma and George desired an overseas experience, so they took positions at the Canadian Academy International School in Kobe, Japan, for one year. They enjoyed working in the International School and living in Japan so much, that they continued their careers there for the next 28 years. George’s career became working as professor in several Japanese universities, and Wilma’s work led her to being elementary school principal at the Canadian Academy.

Wilma and George retired from employment in Japan in 1997, and returned to Morocco, and bought an old house that had belonged to George’s ancestors. George became the Morocco First United Methodist Church’s organist, while Wilma worked with the church’s Sunday school classes for children. They both enjoyed being a part of the community.

George preceded Wilma in death on November 5, 2004. She is also preceded in death by: her brother, Jack Katzbach, and her sister, Verna Katzbach Waites.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 10-11 a.m. at the Morocco First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Morocco First United Methodist Church with Rev. Wayne Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Russell Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Morocco First United Methodist Church. Steinke Funeral Home of Morocco is handling the arrangements. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.