Katherine J. Mandel, LCSW, MSW
Katherine (Kathy) Mandel, a devoted mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born on August 11, 1943, in Couch, Missouri, to the late Gordon W. Combs and Elizabeth Hoyt Combs. Kathy graduated as Valedictorian from Couch High School in 1961 and was awarded several scholarships, choosing to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia. It was there that she met Carl Roesel, Jr. and they married and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. They had two children. The marriage ended in 1975.
Kathy finished her BA in Sociology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1973, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Later, she went on to complete her Master in Social Work (MSW) degree at Saint Louis University. Kathy was married to Martin Mandel from 1983-1986.
Kathy started her social work career at the Missouri Division of Family Services but spent a large portion of her career working for the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), starting her career there in 1977. She became the Director of Social Services in 1983 and worked there for another 20 years. Kathy then worked for Independence Center of St. Louis until her retirement at age 70.
Over the course of her storied career, Kathy served on many professional boards and advocacy groups that worked to assist both the social work profession and the vulnerable populations they serve. She was awarded numerous accolades and recognition by her peers. She also served as an adjunct assistant professor for Saint Louis University and Washington University. She spent her entire career and much of her personal time helping others.
After her retirement, she served on the Webster Groves Library Board and served as a tutor for St. Louis Oasis program, tutoring children in reading. She was an active member of Unity Christ Church.
She is survived by her two children, Jeffrey Roesel and wife Susan of New Orleans, LA, and Laurie Wisdom and husband Jason of Columbia, MO; doting grandmother to Jonathan, Katherine, Patrick and Sophie Roesel, and Elizabeth and Connor Wisdom. She is also survived by two brothers, Dale Combs (Deborah) of Couch, MO, and Wade Combs of Springfield, MO, and three nieces and their families.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service at Affton Chapel of Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, with visitation beginning at noon until service time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to United Way of Greater St. Louis at https://helpingpeople.org/, Independence Center at https://independencecenter.org/, Oasis at https://st-louis.oasisnet.org/, or any of the other nonprofits that she either worked directly with or supported.
Kathy was my supervisor when I did a practicum at Visiting Nurse Association around 1990. May she rest in peace.
We have added Kathy Mandel, her friends and family to our prayer list and Unity Village will pray for all an additional 30 days. May she rest in peace.
Kathy was the first Social Worker I ever met. She ended up being a mentor and long-term friend. Her passing truly means there’s another angel in heaven. My empathy to Laurie, Jeff, Kathy’s grandchildren and the entire family. May she rest in power and peace.
Kathy was my first boss out of grad school. She was more than a boss though as she was a friend and mentor as well. She was an amazing social work mentor to her students and a dedicated advocate to her patients! I am so thankful to have learned from the best and to be able to call her my friend. My sincere sympathies to Laurie and Jeffrey. May she rest in peace.
Katherine was my friend from first grade at Couch through high school. I remember her in first grade. In learning to read, if I didn’t know a word, I would ask Katherine.
I especially appreciated her in high school. Besides being the smartest person in the room, she had a wonderful, ironic sense of humor.
Life took us in different directions, but I’ll always think of her as a
Wonderful friend.
To her family—I’m sorry for your loss.
My condolences on your loss. I didn’t have the pleasure to have known Kathy, but she was described to me as a sweet, kind, wonderful soul. Thank you for remembering Independence Center during this difficult time.