Patricia “Pat” Gilger Freberg Remillard

Pat was born on October 7, 1948, in Munising, Michigan, to Lula Eliina (Kuja) Freberg Dhondt and Norman Andrew Freberg, although Francis Dhondt was her beloved dad. She was raised in the Chatham and Rumely area and graduated from Eben High School in 1966. Following high school, she attended Northern Michigan University. For many years, Pat was employed with Med Labs at Marquette General Hospital.

On July 8, 1972, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Paul Remillard. Together they shared many wonderful years and built a beautiful log cabin on Wolf Lake, a place that became their cherished summer paradise during retirement. Pat especially loved sitting on the deck watching the water and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the lake.

Known affectionately by family and friends as “Pat,” she had a warm and welcoming personality. She was a self-proclaimed “chocoholic” and almost always had chocolate close by. Pat enjoyed fishing, though she famously preferred someone else to bait the hook and remove the fish from the line. She loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed cross-country skiing, walking, four-wheeling, reading, and relaxing.

Pat was also very social and enjoyed time spent with friends. She helped organize women’s slow-pitch softball and volleyball in 1970, playing on team sponsored by Remillard’s Bar. She was also active in Sandy’s Pool Ladies League, where she and friends gathered regularly for laughter, dinners, movies, and celebrations.

A talented and creative person, Pat enjoyed making picture quilts for family and friends, gifts that will continue to be treasured by those who received them.

Pat is survived by her son, Jesse Remillard; her sister, Sharon Freberg; brothers, Andrew (Ann) Freberg, Henry (Laurie) Dhondt, Joseph (Linda) Dhondt, and Aloysius (Kim) Dhondt; her sisters-in-law, Lois (Al) Greene and Cathy Freberg; special caretaker, Marnie Sipila; special friends, Dena Posenke and Diane Hockers; along with many nieces and nephews who loved her very much.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Remillard; her mother and stepfather, Lula and Francis Dhondt; her father, Norman Freberg; her brother, Alex Freberg; sisters, Melanie Dhondt and Roxanne Dhondt; nephews, Christopher Martinez, Adam Martinez, and Wyatt Dhondt; and her beloved pets, Nikki and Izzy.

Pat’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for her in recent years and to the friends and loved ones who brought joy to her life. Special appreciation to the staff at Mill Creek Assisted Living and Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice for their care and their many kindnesses extended to the family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, with the funeral mass beginning at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in the Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church, 401 W. Kaye Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, or the Parkinson’s Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.