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Marcia E. Pustelnik, age 76, of Sturgis, passed peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.
Marcia was born in Kalamazoo on November 8, 1949 to the late George and Mildred (Hefner) Craven.
On July 17, 1971, she married Gerald Pustelnik, a union that lasted over 54 years.
Surviving are husband: Gerald; sisters Sharon Dodson (Richard), Carol Dullam (Robert) and brother Brian Craven (Lynne). Also surviving are two sons, Matthew and Stephen Pustelnik (Jenny) and grandchildren Clara and Noah Pustelnik, along with many nieces and nephews.
Marcia graduated with honors from Portage Northern High School, class of 1967 and enrolled as a piano/vocal major at Western Michigan University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (1971) and later a Masters equivalent.
Marcia accepted a teaching position with the White Pigeon Community Schools as an elementary music teacher and middle school choir director. In 1972, Marcia became the choir director with the Bronson Community Schools. After teaching at Bronson for 18 years, Marcia accepted the choir position with Sturgis Public Schools. The choir program excelled to the point that they were selected to perform at the Midwestern Music Conference at the University of Michigan. Later the choir would travel to Gatlinburg, TN, where they were named the top choir at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival. Marcia received numerous awards including the John Oster award and the Walmart Teacher of the year award for teaching excellence. Marcia’s choirs consistently earned first division ratings at district and state festivals. She retired from teaching in 2007 and was honored as a state finalist as vocal music teacher of the year by the Michigan School Vocal Music Association.
Marcia was a kind and beautiful person that was loved and respected by her students and colleagues. Many have talked about the profound and positive impact that she made in their lives.
In honoring Marcia’s wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 on Sunday, January 4th at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd. in Sturgis. A celebration of life service will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow will officiate. Private interment of the remains will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that a memorial donation be made to the Bronson Community Schools choir department at 501 E. Chicago Rd., Bronson, MI, 49028, or the Sturgis Public Schools choir department at 107 W. West St, Sturgis, MI, 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Ah Marcia, so thankful to have sung under your direction for Make We Merry, Three Rivers Community Players Choir. We tried your patience and your expertise so much! Rest in peace, beautiful person.
Dear family, your loved one was the most patient and gentle person. I am a better person knowing her. Marcia had grace and talent, both in equal measure, and gave freely to all!