Guerda M. Frenette

Born in Dowagiac, MI, April 7, 1930, to Elsie and Howard Gribler, she would tell you she graduated on a Thursday from high school and married the love of her life, Lindsley B. Frenette (who proceeded her in death) the following Sunday. She moved to Gulliver and declared it ‘home’ where they raised their seven children. While she was known by most by her baking, to her children she is remembered for the countless times she sewed through the night so they would have new dresses for the church program, for spending time in the woods stacking timber or firewood alongside Lindsley or out in the fields bailing hay. She did whatever it took. Her grandchildren would tell you that whether it was making pancakes, chicken noodle soup, egg salad sandwiches or a cheeseburger at midnight she did whatever she could to make sure they knew they were loved.

Guerda worked for the phone company, catered many events, owned Manistique A&W, and retired as a baker from Norden’s Foodland, but her true passion was her volunteer efforts. She was a member of Kiwanis, a 4-H leader teaching sewing and cooking, was a member of the Democrat party where she was a part of many fundraisers, sat on the Schoolcraft Co. Senior Center Board, was a member of the 4th of July committee and would do anything that helped Schoolcraft Co. progress as well as various other groups. The Governor of Michigan appointed her to the Jury Commission and she remained in that position for over thirty years. Most of her volunteering time was spent helping people in need of which she did humbly and was silent about. The community recognized her as Schoolcraft Co.’s Person of the Year as well as Folk Fest Hero and the Grand Marshal in Manistique’s last Fourth of July parade. She was a proud member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughters: Jillonne (Bruce) Kauss of Oldsmar, FL, Cynthia (Richard) Pawley of The Villages, FL, Vicki (Bruce) Parker of Holt, MI, Julie (Jerry) Gregurash of Frisco, TX, Susan (David) Watson of Fayetteville, NC and her son-in-law: John Batchelder of Naubinway, MI, 19 grandchildren, 40 great- grandchildren and 8 great-great- grandchildren, as well as, another on the way and her sister: Joan Houseman of Traverse City, MI.

Not only is she preceded in death by her husband: Lindsley, as well as, her parents, but also her daughter: Lynne Batchelder and son: L. Charles Frenette, her sisters: Barbara Davis, Naomi Gressel, Marjorie Ruff and brother: Walter (Butch) Gribler.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 20, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Manistique, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Funeral Services at 4:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Jay Martin officiating. Burial will take place immediately following services at Fairview Cemetery in Manistique.

Guerda requested memorials be directed to either the First Baptist Church, 315 Walnut St. Manistique, MI 49854, or to The Lindsley B. Frenette Pine’s Park. Donations for Pines Park can be sent to Schoolcraft County (indicating “Pines Park” on the bottom of the check), 300 Walnut St. Room 164, Manistique, MI 49854.

Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be posted on their website at www.fausettfh.com.