Maria Kuehl

Maria Kuehl of Kalamazoo, age 82, died on July 12, 2025. Born June 26, 1943, to Anthony and Mary Lou (Cekola) Mazzola. She lived with a fierce love and dedication for her family. Maria was married for 49 years to her husband, Raymond. They filled their home with hard work, laughter, and love. Family and friends knew Maria as a straight shooter. She made people laugh with her unfiltered comments and called everyone “honey bunny” with affection. Whether cooking a family meal or crocheting an afghan for a loved one, Maria put her heart into all she did.

She was a member of St. Augustine and St. Thomas More parishes. Alongside her husband, Maria was active in the Moose Lodge, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Girl Scouts, and Hackett Catholic Prep Booster Club. She and Ray often volunteered at Bingo events together, which she herself continued to play until the week she died.

Maria worked as a Quality Inspector at Graphic Packaging, formerly James River. In retirement, she and Raymond enjoyed winters in Bradenton, Florida, in the company of close friends. Maria’s joy was contagious. She never missed a performance at her assisted living home and brought the energy wherever she went.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Jr.; her parents; and siblings, Esther Mazzola and Anthony Mazzola Jr. Surviving are her daughter Christina (Matthew) Longshore; grandson Colin; brother Ciro (Ellen Fiedler) Mazzola; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held Monday, July 28th, at 11 AM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2003 Mt. Olivet Rd., Kalamazoo. Celebrate Maria’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross Southwest Michigan Chapter or Beyond Dementia Coalition. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.