Marion Edna Gremel

Marion Edna Gremel, age 95, of Sebewaing, MI (formerly of Tucson, AZ) passed away Friday April 12, 2024.

Marion was born September 18, 1928 in Detroit, MI to Ivan and Edna (Heinitz) Bounting.  Marion spent her youth in Sebewaing spending time with her cousins, camping and fishing. She was confirmed in faith in 1945 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sebewaing. She was a talented young lady who enjoyed tap dancing , performing in dance showcases wearing elaborate costumes, then learning piano, and could play a rousing rendition of "The Beer Barrel Polka" from memory playing (even into her 80s)!

Marion was very proud to be part of the Sebewaing High School class of 1946, where she spent 6 years as a cheer leader earning her Varsity letter. She loved to recall her high school years through sharing her annuals with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, which included pages with pictures of her future husband, Donald Gremel.

Marion and Don married on Sunday, December 1, 1946. They resided on the centennial farm in Sebewaing, where they filled their home with six children: Judith Kay, Gary, Janet, Karen, Susan and Kathy. Along with raising her children, Marion took pride in helping on the farm, driving tractor, helping with cattle, canning and baking, and tending to flower beds. She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, involved in Mary Martha Guild, Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), and loved to talk about being part of the hand bell choir "that included three generations-me, my daughter and granddaughter!" She was employed for 4 years at Tuscola Regional Center as a direct patient care aid.   She loved to travel and was the ever trusty geography buff. Known to her family as the "navigator", as she, Don and Susan traveled throughout the United States.

After retirement in 1990, Marion, Don and daughter, Susan, moved to Tucson, AZ. Marion and Don were an essential part in establishing Messiah Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ.  They were also a very supportive presence at Ascension Lutheran Church, where Don developed a cactus garden which he moved and transplanted cacti from their home's back yard to the church, and Marion again was involved in Alter Guild, LWML, bible study and hand bell choir.

After Don's passing in 2018, Marion remained in Tucson living with daughter, Susan, until 2022, when she and Susan moved back to Michigan.  At the time of her death, Marion had been a resident of Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro.

Marion is survived by her children: Gary (Monie) Gremel, Janet (Mike) Horst, Karen (David) Wible, Susan Gremel, Kathy (Steve) Roberts; Grandchildren: Amy (Kevin) Reithel, Kathi "Boo Bear" (Lou) Carson, Penny (Frank) Mayo, Tim (Desire'e) Wible, Theresa (Lenny) Miller, Liz (Chad) Dykgraaf, Kellie Roberts, Jessie Roberts, and  Jordan (Rachel) Roberts; 17 great grandchildren: and 3 great-great grandchildren (the 4th due in July 2024). She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, daughter Judy (in 1962), granddaughter Krista Counts, sister-in-law Florence Bakke, and nephew Sgt. Larry Bakke.

Funeral Service is planned for Monday, April 15, 2024, at St John Lutheran Church, Kilmanagh, with visitation starting 10am until time of service that starts at 1pm. Pastor Thom Garrison will be officiating.

Memorials may be given to St John's Lutheran Church, St John's LWML, Vadavilla AFC (Unionville) or Tuscola County Medical Care Community.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff from Vadavilla AFC and TCMCC, all of whom provided wonderful, gentle and loving care for Marion the last year. And from both Don and Marion --" Our love, huggies and God Bless."