Mary Catherine "Kay" (Walden) Pickelhaupt's Obituary
Mary Catherine ‘Kay’ (Walden) Pickelhaupt, 88, passed away peacefully on April 12,2025. Born on May 28, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, Kay lived a full and vibrant life marked by resilience, adventure and a deep love for her family.
She spent much of her life in Algonac, Michigan (Algonquin graduate of 1954), before embarking on a distinguished 30+ year career in the defense and aerospace industry. She began her professional journey with LTV Defense and Aerospace and in 1980 transferred to Lockheed Martin in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where she continued her work with dedication and pride until retirement.
Upon retirement, she and her beloved husband David enjoyed 14 wonderful years traveling full-time across the country in their RV, creating memories and collecting stories from coast to coast. Her journey was not just about the miles she covered, but the countless friendships she formed along the way. They eventually settled at Winterhaven Resort in Brownsville, TX, where she became a beloved member of the senior community.
She loved the simple joys of life – crocheting, line dancing, attending clubhouse cookouts and soaking up the music at the weekly live jam sessions. Known for her warmth and wit, she had a special way of making everyone feel welcome. She fiercely loved her children and grandchildren and never missed a chance to boast about their accomplishments. She was their biggest cheerleader and a constant source of strength and pride. She leaves behind many cherished memories that her family and friends will hold close forever.
She is survived by her devoted husband David of 40 years; daughter Renee Ackermann and son-on-law Kurt Ackermann; her cherished grandchildren Connie (‘Muffin’) and Kurt (‘Booner’); her son Jesse Walden and daughter-in-law Dianne Walden.
She is preceded in death by her beloved son Joe Walden; her parents Ray & Catherine Deibler, her sister Sue Young and brother-in-law Terry Young.
She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
My Meme
Meme’s are special. Many have them, but no two are the same. They all treasure their grandchildren, never say no & probably know how to crochet. Their time with us is never long enough & when they’re called to their heavenly home to be a guardian angel grandma they leave behind many loved ones & lifelong memories.
My Meme was all these things and more. She thought I hung the moon & would have given me the world if she could. Some of our fondest times together included Summer trips in the motorhome and holiday baking in the kitchen. The handful of summertime vacations my brother and I took with Meme and Papa were an adventure – the stops along the way were just as fun as the map dot we were making our way towards. I like to think these hikes across America spurred my desire to explore more and simply appreciate God’s creation.
Late in the year, Meme and Papa would make their annual Thanksgiving visit where I was quick to get Meme busy in the kitchen. We made the pies together each year & Meme was the best apple pie peeler for the apple pie, chocolate pudding whisker for the chocolate pie & kindly did all the dishes from my pumpkin pie messes. The onlooking family might think she made a mistake always offering to provide assistance, but I think she secretly enjoyed being my sous chef. These seasonal visits weren’t complete without a game of cards in true grandparent fashion.
Meme & Papa called South Texas home which made for more phone calls than it did visits, but we make the most of the time together & for that I’m grateful. I’d give Meme a ring on my drive home & share all the things that life had me busy with and she would say “Muffin, you need to stop & smell the roses”. She made sure to remind me that there’s more to life & encouraged slowing down; realizing that it’s more about the journey than the destination. She was a wise woman that I was lucky to love & be loved by. I’d often write in cards to Meme that she gave me the greatest gift – the best mama. Through my mom she leaves a legacy that is a shining reflection of her heart and spirit. It’s a sunny, slow Sunday & I’m writing this by the garden, with the roses in bloom, remembering her and even more so – honoring her. I love you to the moon & back, Meme.
Tribute from grand-daughter Connie
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