As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Marlene P. Pitz, age 87, of Atlantic Mine, MI passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Intersect Healthcare of Hancock. She was born in Kalkaska, Michigan on August 31, 1938 the daughter of the late Fredrick N. and Beulah (Castle) Pitz.
Marlene graduated from Kalkaska High School and continued her education at Northern Michigan University receiving her Masters Degree in Education. She retired from Baraga Area Schools in 1994. Over the course of her career, Marlene taught at the old Baraga High School, the Pelkie School, and elementary schools from Laurium, Michigan to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and two different areas of Alaska.
Marlene was a free spirited and determined woman that lived her life on her own terms. She was adventurous and fiercely independent. She was a voracious reader, often exchanging bags of books with her friends and frequenting used book stores. Spending time with her grandchildren was a great source of joy. She enjoyed fostering a love of learning and adventure in all of them.
Marlene took an active interest in community projects. The Hanka Homestead, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly and painted artwork on doors for a community art project. She was also involved with the American Legion in South Range. Marlene had a green thumb. She had house plants near every window in her house and a love for the native plants and fruit trees in her yard. She enjoyed traveling, socializing, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Marlene is survived by her loving daughters Julee A. LaHaie (Kevin) Stortz of Rochester, NY and Jacqueline “Jackie” (Scott) Heikkinen of Aura, and step son Donald Wanhala, Jr of Tapiola, grandchildren Erica, Tonya, Kevin, Christopher, Katherine, Megan, Jameson, Alyssa, Josh, Ryan, Andy, Jessica, Brittney, Jordan, Samantha, Michael, Madeline, and David, several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and her children’s father James A. LaHaie of Minnesota. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mavis, brother James, son Jon P. LaHaie, her ex-husband Donald Wanhala and her step father Clarence Thornberg.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Marlene’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Comments