Margarite (Maggie) M. Kuchenbecker (nee Friel), 90, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home under hospice care on March 19, 2025.
Born in 1934 in Amboy, Illinois, Maggie was one of 17 children. She met and married the love of her life, John Joseph (Jack) Kuchenbecker, and together, they built a family, raising seven children in Orland Park, Illinois.
Maggie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack; sons Jeffery and Kenneth Kuchenbecker; parents Dorothy and Donald Friel; four brothers-Bernard, Delmar, Richard, and Johnny Friel; four sisters-Katy Moats, Caroline Montavon, Karen O’Neill, and Barbara Perry; granddaughter Elizabeth Curtner; and three great-grandchildren-Anthony Francis Curtner, Angelica Grace Curtner, and Jack Gunner Shughrou.
She is survived by her loving children: Lisa (Chris) Curtner of Benton, Kentucky, with whom she resided; Debbie (Gerard) Graham and Paul Kuchenbecker of Florida; Keith (Sharon) Kuchenbecker, Janet (Glenn) Anderson, and daughter-in-law Linda (widow of Kenneth) Kuchenbecker of Illinois. Her sisters Elizabeth Potts, Rose Woodyatt, Regina Kunde, and brothers Donald, Jerry, Robert, David, and Stephen Friel, all of Illinois, also survive her.
Maggie leaves behind 13 cherished grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and dear friends who meant the world to her.
Maggie will forever be remembered for her kindness, strength, and love for her family. Collier Funeral Home in Benton, Kentucky, is handling arrangements.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date in Illinois.