obituaries
Recent obituaries in Wakefield, Michigan.
The obituaries in the Wakefield area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity of Michigan's history and identity.
Joseph Thomas 'Joe' Ruppe
Feb 15, 2026
IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Joseph Thomas "Joe" Ruppe, 89, of Ironwood Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, in Duluth, Minnesota.
Born on April 17, 1936, in Ironwood, Joe was the firstborn son of Joseph S. and Katherine L. (Verbos) Ruppe. A devout Catholic throughout his life, he was a long-time member of Our Lady...
Rose 'Rosie' Aspinwall
Feb 13, 2026
BESSEMER, Mich. - Rose "Rosie" Aspinwall, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. Daughter of Peter and Alma (Barbacovi) Pelissero, she was born on Jan. 7, 1937, in Bessemer. She lived to be 89 years young, and lived in Bessemer her entire life.
Rosie graduated from A.D. Johnston...
Shirley E. Mcraniels
Feb 9, 2026
HURLEY, Wis. – Shirley E. McRaniels, 86, of Hurley, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau.
The former Shirley E. Stuhr was born on June 6, 1939, in Mercer, daughter of the late John Henry and Georgia Ann (Schwartz) Stuhr.
She was married to Joseph M. McRaniels on...
Margaret Elizabeth Richard
Feb 8, 2026
Margaret Elizabeth Richard, 80, of Saxon, Wisconsin, was peacefully called home by her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, surrounded by her family. Margaret was born on July 19, 1945, in Door County, Wisconsin. She graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1963 and married her high school sweetheart, Keith Richard, on April 20, 1963. Margaret was...
Michael Anderson
Feb 8, 2026
Michael Anderson
IRONWOOD, Mich. - Michael Anderson, 88, of Ironwood, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood.
Mike was born on Oct. 2, 1937, in Augusta, Wisconsin, to Otis and Myrtle (Olson) Anderson. He graduated in 1955 from high school and 1959 from UW Eau...
Gary Francis Silc
Feb 8, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. — Gary Francis Silc, 85, of Ironwood, passed away on Feb. 8, 2026, in Chicago. He was born on Sept. 20, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, to Frank and Minnie Silc, and lived a life defined by adventure, integrity and deep devotion to family. Gary grew up in Sudbury and graduated from Sudbury High School, where he...
Bartley Edward Domin
Feb 8, 2026
IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Bartley Edward Domin, 70, of Ironwood Township, passed away at home on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, following a lengthy illness.
Bart was born on June 9, 1955, in Duluth, Minnesota, son of the late Edward J. and Norma A. (St. Catherine) Domin.
On Sept. 8, 1990, he married the love of...
Edith M. Rundell
Feb 7, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. - Edith M. Rundell, 90, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
Edith was born on April 3, 1935, in Ironwood, a daughter of Julius and Ruby (Kent) Vandenberg. She attended St. Ambrose Catholic Grade School and Central Elementary School, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High...
Thomas Dale Merle Cousineau
Feb 2, 2026
BERGLAND, Mich. - Thomas Dale Merle Cousineau, 75, of Bergland, passed away on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.
Thomas was born on July 29, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Merle and Lila (Nostrant) Cousineau. He lived a life defined by service, family and quiet strength.
Thomas...
Jacquelyn Rae 'Jackie' Busch
Jan 31, 2026
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21
BESSEMER, Mich. - Jaquelyn Rae "Jackie" (Schaedig) Busch was peacefully called home by our Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband, John. Jackie was born on Sept. 26, 1960, in Rogers City, Michigan, the adored...
Joyce Ann Pikka
Jan 28, 2026
WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Joyce Ann Pikka, 69, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin, following a lengthy illness.
Joyce was born on June 13, 1956, and raised in Wakefield, where she remained throughout her life. She attended...
James A. Farragh
Jan 26, 2026
BESSEMER, Mich. - James A. and Marlene E. Farragh, longtime residents of Bessemer were reunited in Heaven on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
Marlene went home to be with the Lord on May 11, 2023, at the age of 84. James followed on Jan. 26, at the age of 91. Both passed away of natural causes.
...
Verna Beth Johnson
Jan 22, 2026
WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Verna Beth Johnson, 83, of Wakefield, formerly of Ontonagon, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood.
Born on Oct. 27, 1942, in Wakefield, to Alice Verna (Hegg) and Reynold Faline, Verna grew up on the family dairy farm, where she learned the values of hard work, kindness...
David John Pleshe
Jan 22, 2026
WAKEFIELD, Mich. - David John Pleshe, 82, of Wakefield, passed away at his home on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.
David was born on Sept. 10, 1943, in Tri Mountain, Michigan. He was the eldest son of John Anthony and Alma Alina (Rautio) Plesh. The family lived in Painsdale, Michigan, moved to Ironwood for a short time, and...
Joan C. Bale
Jan 22, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. - Joan C. Bale, 94, of Ironwood Township, passed peacefully into the presence of Her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Joan was born on Feb. 14, 1931, in Chicago, to Ernest and Cere Berlin. Becoming orphaned around 2 years old, she was raised by her...
Irma Theresa (Canalia) Thomas
Jan 16, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. — Irma Theresa (Canalia) Thomas went in peace to her heavenly home on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Ironwood, on March 24, 1925.
During her 100 years, Irma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and more, who always put her family first. She found true...
Beth Ann Turonie
Jan 15, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. – Beth Ann Turonie, 65, of Ironwood, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.
Beth was born on June 13, 1960, in Wakefield, a daughter of George Frederick and Jean Ann (Sereno) Broemer. She grew up in Bessemer and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1978. Beth continued her...
Krissy Easley
Jan 14, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. - Krissy Easley passed away from natural causes on Jan. 14, 2026, at her home in Ironwood. Krissy Ann Ruha was born to Cliff and Mary Ruha in Ironwood, on Aug. 4, 1977. She spent her childhood in Iron Belt, Wisconsin, where she had special memories of loving times with her family, as well as the fun...
Lisa Marie Kolesar
Jan 14, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. Lisa Marie Kolesar, 39, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully of complications of liver failure on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Lisa was born on January 21, 1986, in Ironwood, Michigan, to James and Sharon (Rainaldo) Kolesar. At the age of two months, Lisa was diagnosed with a rare liver...
James A. Wilczewski
Jan 14, 2026
RAMSAY, Mich. – James A. Wilczewski, 59, of Ramsay, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Ramsay.
James was born on April 11, 1966, in Wakefield, a son of Charles L. and Maxine A. (Felix) Wilczewski. He was a graduate of A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer.
Jim enjoyed deer hunting, fishing in waders...
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