As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Frederick Donald Shelifoe, age 82, of Baraga, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Fred was born on June 22, 1942, in Beartown, Michigan, the son of Richard and Sarah (Whetung) Shalifoe. A proud graduate of Baraga High School, Class of 1964, he later earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Law from Northern Michigan University in 1993.
Fred honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. In 1993, he married Margaret Hoinowski. Together, they lived in Watersmeet for a decade, where Fred worked at the Lac Vieux Desert Casino. In 2005, they made their home in Baraga, where Fred continued his passion for service as the Director of the New Day Treatment Center.
A proud member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Fred will be remembered for his deep love for family, his commitment to helping others, and his appreciation for nature. He especially enjoyed fishing and sharing time with those he loved.
Fred is survived by his children: Jeanne Emery of Baraga, Jim Shelifoe of Baraga, Bahgi Sandman Shelifoe of L’Anse, Mino Gheezhig of Green Bay, Wabanungoquay (Jason) Loyd of Alberta, Wausaumoutouikwe Sandman Shelifoe of Superior, WI; his stepchildren: Jamie of Ishpeming, Kathie Gude of Green Bay, Megan Gude of Baraga, and Kristen Gude of Dollar Bay. He is also survived by his siblings: Richard (Gloria) Shalifoe of Zeba, Janice Shalifoe of Negaunee, Ted Shalifoe of Baraga, Mathew (Nancy) Shalifoe of Baraga, Donny Shalifoe of Baraga, and Myrtle Miller of Traverse City; as well as many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Sarah Shalifoe; his beloved wife, Margaret; his children Fred Shelifoe, Allan Shelifoe, Cathy Shelifoe, Vicki Dakota, Steve Coffin, Jerry Shelifoe, Bridget Shelifoe, and Kelly Shelifoe; and his siblings Virginia Jermac, Dan Shelifoe, and Marilyn Loonsfoot.
Fred’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched with compassion, humor, and wisdom. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, April 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the Zeba Hall until the time of service on Friday, April 25th at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Pinery Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. where military rites will be conducted by Baraga County Area Veterans. A feast will follow the burial at the Zeba Hall. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Fred’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
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