Obituary: Naomi Marie Fish

SOUTH RANGE

Naomi Marie Fish, a resident of South Range, went home to be with her Lord on December 14, 2018, passing peacefully with her family at her side at Omega House where she had been a resident for one day.

Naomi was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 26, 1942, the daughter of Gordon F. and Mariann LaFex. Most of her early years were spent in Eckerman, Michigan.

Naomi graduated from Newberry High School in 1960, and married to her fiance, Charles Carmi Fish, Jr., of Platte, South Dakota, an Army soldier stationed at the Radar Base Raco and attached to U.S. Army Camp Lucas, Sault St. Marie, Michigan.

They were married in Trout Lake, Michigan, on November 26, 1960, and together moved to their cattle ranch in Platte, South Dakota, to make their home and start a family. They were blessed with two sons while at that farm, Steven and Walter. In addition to being a mother, wife, and homemaker, Naomi was also a working partner in the farming operation. She was a loving, caring wife, mother and friend.

After selling the farm, they moved to Minnesota for employment and their third child, a daughter Heather, was born.

Charles’ work moved them again this time to Cambridge, Minnesota, where Naomi enjoyed a career in the health care field, being involved with her growing family as well as working in real estate sales.

Their wishes to return to the Upper Peninsula were fulfilled when they purchased the Montgomery Ward catalogue franchise in Hancock. They owned that until Wards closed the catalogue outlet and left our area. At that time, she and Charles were divorced.

Her next pursuit was manager of the Fashion Bug at the Copper Country Mall. She found her real calling when she was hired by John McRae at Kirkish Furniture. Naomi stayed with this wonderful family owned business, it’s great staff and super costumers until her health failed and she retired.

Naomi was able to continue serving the people of South Range as a member of the Village council for many years, which was fulfilling beyond words and a real joy for her. She was also a long standing member of the Ranger Post 6165 VFW Auxiliary of South Range. Naomi enjoyed sewing, cooking, camping and spending time on the Tahquamenon River.

Naomi was predeceased by her parents; ex-husband, Charles; daughter-in-law, Donna Fish; niece, Deborah M. Lewis; brother-in-law, John H. “Jack” Lewis of Dollar Bay; and a great-nephew, Michal Heckel.

She is survived by her children, Steven Fish of South Range, Walter Fish of Laurium, and Heather (Eric) Skadahl of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; a sister, Barbara LaFex Lewis of Dollar Bay; grandchildren, Matt and Andy Heikkinen, and Luke and Olivia Skadahl; eight great-grandchildren; a cousin, Anita Luczynsk; numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range, with Vicar Micah Cavaleri to officiate. Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday. Prior to the service, VFW Post 6165 Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a memorial service. Spring interment will be in the Mountain View Cemetery in South Range. Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antiafuneral.com.