×

Jean E. Cretens Fassbender

MARQUETTE, MI – Jean E. (Cretens) Fassbender, age 82, of Marquette and formerly of Gladstone, Gwinn, and Big Bay, entered eternal life Monday, September 24, 2018, at the Norlite Nursing Center where she had resided since 2009.

Born July 26, 1936, in Escanaba, a daughter of Albert R. and Nancy A. (Major) Cretens, Jean was raised in Gladstone and graduated from Gladstone High School. She began her college education at Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba and continued a few years later at Northern Michigan University, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education in 1975. Later, she would continue taking off-campus courses through Lansing Community College while in Marquette.

In 1977, Jean married Walter Fassbender, Jr, and they resided in Big Bay and Marquette during their marriage of 25 years.

Throughout the years, Jean was employed at various Michigan State agencies and the Governor’s U.P. Office as a communications specialist and secretary. Her work assignment locations included K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Northern Michigan University, Marquette General Hospital, and finally as a communications clerk with the Michigan Department of Treasury. She retired in 1991.

Jean was an outgoing person who enjoyed life, loved her family and friends and had a special place in her heart for all pets, most of all her cats. She enjoyed many hobbies and activities including cross country skiing, dancing, cooking, playing cribbage, crocheting, craftwork, gardening, watching the birds, and going to the casino. Fun times were always welcomed and, as a member of the Red Hat Society, those times were often. She was a warm and generous person who graciously volunteered at many organizations, but most dear to her was the time she spent at the Marquette Organic Food Co-op.

Jean is survived by her sister, Nancy “Penny” (Michael) Callahan of Rapid River; stchildren, Walter (Sharon) Fassbender III, Kathy (Jim) Grant, Doug Fassbender, Greg Fassbender, Don (Karen) Fassbender, Paul (Cynthia) Fassbender, and Carl (Sharrie) Fassbener; former sisters-in-law, Cindy Fassbender and Joan Fassbender Blondeau; and former husband, Walter Fassbender, Jr; four nieces and three nephews; many step-nieces and nephews. Jean also had a special place in her heart for her dear friend, Tomoko H. Fassbender. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her brothers, Dale Albert Cretens and Lee Raymond Cretens; and a former brother-in-law, Daniel Fassbender.

Special appreciation to the staff of Norlite Nursing Center and Lake Superior Hospice for their compassionate and professional care of Jean. Also to niece, Janice Hilllier, who tirelessly took care of Jean and her affairs during her lengthy illness, and went above and beyond.

An informal Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Fassbender Funeral Home, Marquette, on Thursday, October 4, between the hours of 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to share memories and conversation. Graveside committal services will be held at the Fernwood Cemetery, Gladstone, on Saturday, October 6, at 11:00 am with Rev. Joseph Vandannoor officiating.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassben derfuneralhome.com.