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Matriarch of Saelinger family, Marcella Steffen Saelinger dies at 96; visitation and services scheduled


Marcella Steffen Saelinger, 96, of Cold Spring, died on May 17, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Saelinger was a long-time resident of Melbourne and Cold Spring and matriarch of a large family that has left its mark on Northern Kentucky.

Marcella Steffen Saelinger

She was a member of St. Joseph Church, Cold Spring where she was active in the Saint Mary Ladies Society. She volunteered at the Parish Kitchen, St. Luke Hospital, Henry Hosea House and Carmel Manor nursing home.

From her early life to her death, she nurtured her ten children, neighbors and friends with love, kindness, faith, and generosity. She was a beacon of light to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, William H. Saelinger.

She is survived by her 10 children, Dr. Donald (Dee Ann) Saelinger, Marlene (Larry) Knab, Dolores (Robert) Lorenz, William (Deborah) Saelinger, Rosemary (William, decd.) Waller, Patricia (Peter) Kuhlman, Robert (Tracie) Saelinger, Anna (Martin) Kuhlman, Helen (Tim) Wrobel, Republic Bank Regional President Thomas (Gina) Saelinger, and sister-in-law, Rosella Saelinger; 30 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, 427 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft Thomas, Thursday, May 23rd, 5-8 p.m.; with Mass of Christian Burial and celebration on Friday, May 24th, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Cold Spring. Interment will follow at St. Stephen Cemetery, Ft. Thomas.

Memorial suggestions: William and Marcella Saelinger Scholarship Fund at Thomas More University, 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills, Ky. 41017; St. Joseph Church, 4011 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, Ky. 41076.

Special condolences and memories may be sent to www.dmefuneral.com.


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6 Comments

  1. Pamela McCartty says:

    I worked with Marcella for many years. She was my volunteer at St. Luke Hospital. She was the kindest woman I have ever met. She was so proud of her family and very down to earth. I enjoyed every minute with her. Than you for sharing your mother with me Dr. Saelinger! So sorry for your lost.

  2. Judy Turner says:

    So sorry for the loss of your Mother Dr Saelinger.

  3. Kathleen Nakagawa says:

    Dr. Saelinger and family,

    I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Hugs to you all.

  4. Sharon Guenthner says:

    A life well lived, devoted to her family. Our sincere heart
    felt condolances

  5. Mary Anne Phalen says:

    Don, our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. She certainly lived a full life and raised an amazing family Warm regards, Tom and Mary Anne Phalen

  6. Rachel Broering says:

    My condolences on the loss of your mother. No matter our age or theirs our mothers are missed.

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