Marilyn M. Budzak

Marilyn M. Budzak, age 83, of Iron River, MI, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at the Iron River Care Center. She was born July 17, 1931 in Stambaugh, MI, the daughter of the late Floyd and Mildred (Peterson) Fregetto. She attended the Iron River Schools, graduating from Iron River High School with the Class of 1949. Marilyn married Joel Budzak on June 11, 1960 at the First Presbyterian Church of Iron River, and the couple made their home in Stambaugh. She owned and operated The Bike Shop with her husband, Joel and in later years with Paul Hytinen for a total of 47 years. Her motto was “We can’t help everybody, but we sure do try”. Marilyn was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Iron River, the Mary Circle, Altrea of Mary Grove, 100 Plus Women, the Italian Ladies Society, and the American Legion Reino Post #21 Auxiliary of Stambaugh, where she served as Chaplin. She also worked on the Election Board and volunteered on numerous community and church projects. She enjoyed playing cards, dancing, gardening, baking, knitting (making “toasty toes” for veterans and military personnel), and walking (walking the Mackinac Bridge for 17 years). She never met a stranger, and befriended everyone she came in contact with. Marilyn is survived by her son, Doug (Lisa) Budzak of Summertown, TN; daughter, Sherry (Gary “Bud”) Pangrazzi of Iron River; sister, Beverly (Ron) Holmes of Iron River; grandchildren, Tina (Justin) Brey, Amie (Tony) Neiling, and Rick Budzak; great grandchildren, Payton and Hayden Brey, and Belle, Chloe, and Eli Neiling; very special friend, Wallace “Poik” Herreau. She was preceded in death by her husband Joel on August 12, 1997, and her son, Rick. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 2:15 p.m. with Pastor Dawn Treado Green to officiate. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations to the Iron County Cancer Unit, the First Presbyterian Church, or Reino Post 21 Scholarship Fund. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marilyn M. Budzak, please visit our flower store.