IRONWOOD, Mich. - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Fred J. Tezak who departed this life on July 30, 2025, at the age of 93. He led a rich and colorful life, touching the lives of many with his passion for music, hunting and travel.

The son of Matthew "Fred" and Mary Tezak, Fred was born with platinum blonde hair on Dec. 18, 1931, in Ironwood. He was soon given the nickname, Sunny because he was so bright. Music was always in his soul, and growing up, he learned to play the clarinet in grade school then never wanted to put it down. When he was not playing music, he enjoyed hunting deer, rabbit, partridge or anything else that moved.

Fred joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and played the saxophone and clarinet in the Naval Band. For most of his tour, he was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Princeton and some on the USS Hancock and had the honor of playing for Bob Hope and Rosemary Clooney. He also had dry-land stints that included the time he played at the Waldorf Astoria, and others in Japan.

He spent four years in the Navy, and then returned to college to complete his Master of Music degree from Northern Michigan University. In 1955, Fred married his high school sweetheart, "Margie." They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends and had a great time.

During his career, Fred taught band and choir in Ewen and Ironwood before getting a job in Bessemer where he taught for 30 years. He won many awards and trophies for his directing, concert and marching bands, and their half-time shows. He taught thousands of students over multiple generations of families, and many of his students also won awards.

When he was not teaching music in school, he played music in his own band for weddings, special occasions or just for fun. He always lit up in front of a crowd. He and his band performed in many venues around the area, with one shining debut in Branson, Missouri, and he loved sitting in with a jazz band in Madison, Wisconsin. He played solos, in bands and orchestras, performed on stage for plays, sang in choirs and recorded several personal CD's. A musician of many talents, he could readily sight-read, play by ear after hearing a song only once, and could transpose on the fly. One of his fond memories was getting a private lesson from "Kenny G."

After retiring, he also enjoyed hunting and playing cards and traveling the world with his wife and family, where they met and made many friends along the way.

We will forever hold Fred in our hearts. Remembering him for all his colorful stories often told with humor, interesting mannerisms and banter. Fred always liked to have the last word and the last laugh.

Fred is survived by his wife, Marjorie Lois Tezak (Courtney); a daughter, Debra Ann Glenn (husband Bill); two sons, Steven Fredrick Tezak (wife Cristy) and Jeffery Dean Tezak (wife Beth); a brother, Thomas Tezak (wife Kari); his sister-in-law, Carole Tezak (husband John, deceased); 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death are Fred's father, Matthew Fredrick "Fred" Tezak; mother, Mary Cecelia Tezak (Bolich); sister, Deloris Tezak (Garnish) (husband Paul, deceased); and brother, John Tezak (wife Carole).

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 108 S. Marquette St., in Ironwood.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 9:30 a.m., with the Rev. Brian Gerber, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood, where full military rites will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard assisted by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.