Francis Ambrose Gariepy

Francis “Fran” Ambrose Gariepy, age 91, passed away on Wednesday morning, April 28, 2021 following a brief illness.  He was born in Munising, Michigan on February 04, 1930, the son of Henry and Emma (Gauthier) Gariepy. As a young man, Fran joined the Army in 1950. He honorably served our country from 1950-1953 during the Korean War. Once he returned from the service, he continued his career with Lifschultz Fast Freight Company in Chicago, Illinois, eventually becoming the senior vice president. While at Lifschultz, Fran met a young lady named Beverly Helen Louise Huber. They fell in love and were married on November 24, 1956 and had celebrated 61 years of marriage. Together, they began their life which included raising their two sons, David and Derek. Fran and Bev made their home in the Chicago area but summered in the Munising, Michigan area every year. The family loved spending time together in the splendor of the Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior. In 1992, Fran and Beverly moved permanently to the U.P. After retiring, Fran was known to enjoy gardening and providing Home Health services for many in the Marquette area. All who knew Fran will miss him dearly. Fran always enjoyed a good glass of wine and board games or cards with his kids and grandkids!

Fran was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly in August of 2018, his parents, brothers, Theo and Leo, as well as sisters, Emma and Viola. He is survived by his sons David (Lura) Gariepy and Derek Gariepy, both of Kalamazoo, Michigan, his beloved grandchildren, Emma, Adrian, Fiona and Tess, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members and several dear neighbors/friends.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Ocran on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Munising.  Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.

Memorial donations are requested to be made to either Sacred Heart Church or the U.P. Honor Flight in Fran's name.