Neysa Ann Geupel

Neysa McGowan Geupel, age 85, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on October 17, 2021. Neysa was born March 12, 1936 in Hannibal, Missouri to Clyde and Angelin (Akerson) McGowan. Neysa graduated from Allegan High School in 1953. She then attended William Woods College, Fulton, Missouri. Although her age reflects 85 years, Neysa was youthful and spirited. Her family was the epicenter of her life. Surviving Neysa, is her husband, Carl Geupel, Jr., her daughters, Lauren Geupel and Leslie Stratton, and Neysa’s son-in-law, Major Robert Stratton, her nephews, John Stegeman and wife, Linda and Thomas Stegeman and wife, Lori, and her grand-nephew, Sean Stegeman, wife, Katelynn and her grand-niece, Paige Stegeman. She was preceded by her parents and her sole, beloved sibling, Karen Stegeman Miller. As a wife and mother, she was devoted and selfless. Carl knew Neysa as “the love of his life.” They shared a true love story, with a whirlwind courtship after meeting in Boynton Beach, FL while Neysa was vacationing with her parents at the Rath Motel owned by Carl. After two trips to Michigan, they were engaged to be married in 1957. A real-life love story resulting in 64 years of harmonious marriage and producing a uniquely, bonded family. Neysa also shared her abundant love with her many close friends. All of whom were special to her. They describe her as an uncompromised, confidante, trustworthy and full of joy and fun. Neysa never betrayed her family or friends nor ever spoke of them in an unkind manner. Her natural talents were many. She was efficient, smart, creative and a fantastic cook who made a particularly delectable chocolate chip cookie. She had a special way of making her family homes beautiful through her decorating prowess and helped many friends do the same. She always dressed elegantly. Neysa was fit and healthy and known to many as an avid walker, even using the treadmill the day of her passing. Neysa worked in the family clothing business, McGowan’s Men’s Store, launched by Clyde and Angelin McGowan and later sold to Neysa and Carl, who grew the business into a beloved local Allegan landmark. Attending the First Congregational Church in Allegan for over 50 years, Neysa was an active, vital member of many church committees. The sudden death of Neysa was a shocking loss to all who knew and loved her. In her humility and sense of privacy, she had planned in advance that no memorial service be arranged. In lieu of flowers, acknowledgments of her sweet life can be honored with a donation to the Congregational Kitchen, Care of Pamela Johnson, 805 Airway Drive, Allegan MI, 49010 or call for information, (269)720-6855. Cards and letters of memories and condolences may be mailed to: The Geupel Family c/o Avink Funeral Home, 129 S Grand St, PO Box 417, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. While visiting Neysa's tribute page, please take a moment to light a candle or share a memory with her family. The Geupel family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.