Marion Alice (Kienitz) Riley

Marion Alice (nee Kienitz) Riley, age 63, of Tauranga, New Zealand and formerly of Munising and Chatham, died on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 following a brief illness at the Tauranga Public Hospital.  Marion was born in Munising on May 18, 1954 to the late Raymond and Harriet (Credland) Kienitz.  She was raised on the family farm in Chatham, graduated from Eben High School in 1972, and went onto a year of college in Sault Ste. Marie.  Marion then moved back home and began working at the Alger County Court House working her way to the Prosecutor’s office where she worked as secretary until she retired in 1996 due to a brain aneurysm.  During her recovery, she met and married the love of her life, Peter Riley, on November 17, 2001.  Marion then moved to New Zealand and she started her final chapter in her life on earth.

Marion was preceded in death by her mother Harriet (Credland) Kienitz, father Raymond Kienitz, and her father-in-law Gordon Riley.  She is survived by her loving husband Peter Riley, mother-in-law Joy Riley, brothers and sisters – Ted (Sally Haubner) Kienitz, Judy Kienitz, Lewie (Diane) Kienitz, Lucy Kienitz, Ed Kienitz, Esther (Dean) Johnson, Floyd Kienitz, Norma (Sonny) Richmond; sister-in-law Diane Riley; brothers-in-law – John (Judith) Riley and Stephen Riley; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marion was baptized and raised a member of Sion Lutheran in Chatham.  She volunteered for everything from church council to youth counselor, to Altar Guild where she made banners that are still used today.  While in New Zealand, she continued to serve the Lord at Holy Trinity Church.  Marion served and loved her God Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 and at the church on Friday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m.  Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct Marion’s funeral service on Friday, July 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham.  Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham.  Marion will be escorted by Wayne Salo, John "Tigger" Scheaffer, Joe Kienitz, Ed Kienitz, William "Billy" Kienitz, and Norm Johnson.

Memorials in Marion's name may be made to the Sion Lutheran Church - Altar Guild.