Tessibel D. Castelaz

Tessibel D. Castelaz 95, of Norway, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Manor Care Health Services in Kingsford. Tessibel was born in Iron Mountain on February 15, 1922 to the late Clarence and Angeline (Bianco) Johnson. She has been a lifelong resident of this area and was a 1940 graduate of Quinnesec High School. She married Clarence “Towe” Castelaz on September 6, 1941 at St. Barbara’s Church in Vulcan. Tessibel was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Church in Norway. She was a devout Catholic and practiced her faith with daily prayer and the rosary. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at the church and for many years she was honored to serve as the “candle lady” at the church. Tessibel was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella and volunteered at the Iron Mountain VA Hospital. In her younger years, she worked in sales at the Coast to Coast store for several years. She enjoyed walking around Strawberry Lake well into her late 80’s. She also enjoyed spending time with all of her grandchildren and was a significant presence in the lives of her grandchildren David, Dawn and Chris. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence “Towe” in 1977; two brothers, Clarence and David Johnson and a sister, Joyce Janeshek, along with two brother in laws, Jerry Janeshek and Frank Rodman. Tessibel is survived by her son, Dwight (Billie Jo) Castelaz of Norway; daughters, Kathy Castelaz of Green Bay, WI and Andrea Collins (Mike Sommerfeld) of Kingsford; a sister, Thelma Rodman of Quinnesec; three grandchildren, David (Terri) Castelaz of Vulcan, Dawn (Brian) Burcar of Norway and Chris Collins of Nashville, TN; nine great grandchildren, Payton and Tessa Castelaz, Cassie (Marcus) Bubloni, Marcus (Michele) Trieber, Amber, Chrissy and Keith Burcar, Crystal Bouche and and Heather Loomis, nine great great grandchildren and by several nieces and nephews. She was fortunate to have some very dear friends who she cared for and who cared for her in return, Gail Cater and Shirley Fox. The family would also like to thank Balinda Burke for the friendship and care she provided to mom during the last few years to make it possible for her to remain at home. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:30am, Thursday, August 10th at St. May’s Church in Norway. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m.at the church. Father Tim Ekaitis will offer the Mass of Christian burial. Pallbearers will be, David Castelaz, Brian Burcar, Chris Collins, Michael Summerfeld, Russ Janeshek and Tom Collins. Burial will be in the Norway Twp. Cemetery. The family asks that flowers be omitted. Condolences to the family of Tessibel Castelaz may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Tessibel D. Castelaz

February 15, 1922 - August 7, 2017