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Arlene J. Fraim, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born July 16, 1920, in Brandon, Colo., a daughter of the late Chester and Pearl (Marks) Doremus.
She had resided in Sturgis since 1961, coming from Grand Ledge. Her early life was spent in Shelton, Neb., where she graduated from high school with the class of 1937. She continued her education at Kearny State Teachers College where she received her teaching certificate and later in life she attended Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville.
On Oct. 15, 1945, she married Clinton Fraim in Phillipsburg, Kan.
After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught grades one through eight in a one-room schoolhouse near Kearney, Neb., for five years. While living in Shelton, Neb., she had been employed at the U.S. post office and after moving to Sturgis she worked at Keister Walgreens Drug Store, Falvey’s Men’s Wear and the Porter Drug Store.
She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis for more than 40 years, where she was a member of the choir, bell choir, served as a deacon and taught Sunday school for many years.
Mrs. Fraim was a member and past secretary of the Order of Eastern Star Olive Branch #14. She enjoyed playing bridge and euchre, reading, sewing, crocheting, and walking. She also was a member of the Friendly Circle Dance Club and the Sturgis Newcomers Club. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her loving husband, Clinton; three daughters, Vicki (John) Johnsonbaugh, Ina (Bob) Groff and Deborah (Dan) Wood, all of Sturgis; a son, Leon W. (Debra) Fraim of Sturgis; nine grandchildren, Dr. April (Skyler Sager) Groff, Tami (Anthony) Marzbanian, Robert John “BJ” (Laura) Groff, Tarri Groff, Lee Fraim, Jesse (Bridget) Fraim, Michael Fraim, Joseph (Rachel) Wood and Tyler Wood; three great-grandsons, Jacob and Keegan Ryan and Logan Minski; a great-granddaughter, Madline Sager; a brother, Gerald (Gladys) Doremus of Gering, Neb.; a brother-in-law, Lee Powell of Grand Island, Neb.; a sister-in-law, Sylvia Doremus of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, June Powell; and three brothers, Dick, Gaylord and Marvin Doremus.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 2–4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Hackman Family Funeral Home – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis.
Services celebrating the life of Arlene J. Fraim will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church, 1320 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, with the Rev. Michael Wicks, officiating.
Interment and graveside services will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
The family suggest memorial donations be directed to the First Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
