WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Marion J. Frutig, age 99, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Thurston Woods Senior Living.
She was born on April 30, 1926 in Sturgis to Edward and Ethel (Fortney) Cook.
Marion graduated with the Mendon High School Class of 1944 and went on to work at the Kirsch Company in Sturgis, where she was employed from 1953 until her retirement in 1983.
On December 31, 1948, Marion married Phillip F. Frutig in Ligonier, Indiana. They shared 31 years of marriage before his passing on January 30, 1979. Together, they lived in LaGrange County for 33 years before Marion returned to the Sturgis area in 1981. She also spent 10 cherished years living with her daughter in Florida before returning to Michigan.
Marion lived a full and vibrant life. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Sturgis VFW Auxiliary, and the LaGrange American Legion Post #215 Auxiliary. Known for her adventurous spirit, friendliness, and sharp sense of humor, Marion filled her days with laughter and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her collection of “little sayings” often brought smiles to those around her. True to her spirited nature, Marion took up golf at the age of 60 and enjoyed the game for many years.
She is survived by her daughter, Robin Frutig of Monticello, Florida; four grandchildren; as well as 11 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Phillip (1979); two sons, Phillip R. Frutig (1974) and Michael L. Frutig (2014); a sister, Grace Batten; and three brothers, Lawrence, Carl, and Frank Cook.
A visitation will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at Frurip-May Funeral Home, 309 West Michigan Street, LaGrange, IN. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 with Rev. Cal Kolzow officiating. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange.
In honor of Marion’s giving spirit, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.
