Marjorie M. Frei

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. - Marjorie M. Frei, 86, of Breitung Township, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at Hyland Nursing Home in Iron Mountain. In the last days of her life God blessed each of her family members with tender moments by her side.

Marge was born Aug. 10, 1928, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Sam and Helen (Sutut) Michaels. She was a 1946 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood. Marge married Dale Frei on June 28, 1958. They shared 57 years of devoted marriage together. Dale was a pillar of strength to his family as he modeled his steadfast commitment to marriage and his vow to love through sickness and in health. While raising five daughters, Marge was very involved with the school system, the Bluebirds, and was also a tennis coach. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Family was always her top priority. She was the family cheerleader in every endeavor throughout her family's life. Even in her last difficult years when her memory was gone, her daughters still instinctively wanted to call her whenever something exciting happened in their life. Marge was an active member of St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Iron Mountain, where she served in many capacities. She enjoyed gardening and was an excellent cook. She had an incredible gift of entertaining and hospitality. She loved her dogs. Most of all, Marge loved spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren, who knew her as Siti. She has left so many wonderful memories of the time and love she invested in all of her family.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dale; five daughters, Debbie (Scott) Lindholm of Lake Orion, Tammy (Bill) VanVreede of Traverse City, Tina (Terry) Rice of Breitung Township, Becky (Mike) Messer of Marinette, Wis., and Patti (Joe) Bronzyk of Breitung Township; a brother, Richard (Julie) Michaels; grandchildren, Nicole (Brook) Mead, Jamie (Mark) Miner, Jessica (Dave) Marsh, Michael (Jahaila) VanVreede, Tony VanVreede (fiance Tiffany), Billy (Briana) VanVreede, Katelyn VanVreede, Dexter (Melissa) Ali, Bob Rice, Jim Rice, Kyle Messer (fiance Casey), Maria Messer, Thomas Whaley, Paige Whaley, Alexa (Sidi) Tangara and Dane Bronzyk; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Ethan, Brendan and Zoe VanVreede and Zarina Ali; and several nieces and nephews.

Marge was preceded in death by a grandson, Ryan Rice; three sisters, Rose Karna, Teena Nelson and Ameena Rados; and three brothers, Mike, George, and Tony Michaels.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Iron Mountain, with a lunch to follow. Bishop Anthony Michaels and Fr. Mark Hagan will officiate. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Mary's Orthodox Church.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hyland Nursing Home for the excellent care they provided.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Marge Frei online at emashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.