WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Alma Alina Plesh Marczak, 93, a longtime resident of Wakefield, died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

She was born on July 4, 1919, in Atlantic Mine, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lydia (Wanhatalo) Rautio. Alma attended Jeffers High School in Painesdale through the 11th grade and later graduated from the Ironwood Area Community Schools program on May 21, 1971.


On Sept. 9, 1940, Alma was united in marriage to John Plesh in Jerome, Ariz. After leaving Arizona, they lived for a time in Detroit, Superior, Wis., and Painesdale, before moving to the Gogebic Range in 1951. Alma and John resided in Ironwood for three years and then moved to Ramsay in 1954. He preceded her in death on March 8, 1973.

On Oct. 5, 1974, Alma married Joseph Marczak and moved to Wakefield. Together they raised his children, Joe, David, Marie and Michael. Joseph died on Nov. 14, 2003.

Ma's entire life was dedicated to taking care of her family, this would be her legacy. She was known to always put her family first except on weekdays at noon. "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of Our Lives." Everyone knew that she was not to be interrupted while watching her story, as this was the only time she took for herself. Alma was a wonderful cook: pasties, pigs in the blankets and povitica were her specialties and always requested by her family.


She was active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Ramsay and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. Alma also served on both of these parishes' Women's Circles. She was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary to Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084. For 26 years, she volunteered her time at various Post activities, including serving as treasurer for many years and was honored by the Post for her services.

Besides her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a son, Steven Plesh, on Oct. 31, 1987; five brothers, Matt, Ilmar, Edward, Kaarlo and Benjamin; and seven sisters, Irene, Fanni, Saimi, Hilia, Marie, Sylvia and Martha.

Alma is survived by two sons, David (Gloria) Pleshe, and their daughters, Jana (Doug) Reppond, Angela (Mike) Kimmes, Katie (Mark) Rounds and Carly (Wayne Freund) Pleshe; and Anthony (Vale) Plesh, and his sons, Patrick Plesh, Paul (Mary) Plesh and Jason (Anne) Plesh; Matt Plesh (Steven's son); two loving daughters-in-law, Patty Plesh and Annette Plesh.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Alina and Trace Kolehmainen, Matthew and Meghan Reppond, Kaisa and Grayson Kimmes, Iley and Cale Rounds, Damon and Isabella Freund, Lauren and Ryan Plesh, Steven and Benjamin Plesh and Sam and Lucas Plesh.

When you add it all up the full cost of my love is "no charge."

"PAID IN FULL" Mama we sure do love you!


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m., preceded by visitation at 2 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, with the Rev. Ben Hasse officiating. Also in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard. The rosary will be prayed and a Ladies Auxiliary memorial service will be held at the church prior to the Mass.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

A reception will be held at Wakefield VFW Post 9084 immediately following the Mass.

Rite of Committal and burial will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Residents Christmas Fund at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility, 402 North St., Wakefield MI 49968.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel of Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.