Marilyn Kruskie

Marilyn Ann Kruskie, 87, of Petoskey, died April 21, 2026, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.

Marilyn was born on March 14, 1939, in Petoskey, the daughter of Harvey and Goldie (Stocker) Frye. She was raised in Epsilon and attended Petoskey Public Schools.

On October 1, 1955, Marilyn married James Leo Kruskie at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cross Village, and they made their home in Petoskey.  Over the following decades, Marilyn worked for a time at Holy Childhood Daycare in Harbor Springs, ran a daycare out of her home, and worked for Honeywell, in Boyne City.

Marilyn was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish and served helping provide food for funeral luncheons.  She taught 4H, loved watching birds and doing puzzles of all natures, from crossword to jigsaw puzzles.  For 14 years, she volunteered at the hospital in the Emergency Room, a community service she loved doing until she was 81 and Covid hit.  Her greatest pride and joy in life though were her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by 6 children, Pauline Kruskie of Petoskey, Annie (Doug) Pemberton of Rapid City, Michael (Elizabete) Kruskie of Highland, Jimmy (Mary Ann) Kruskie of Petoskey, Teresa (Curt) Bartz of Harbor Springs, and Mary (Bill Sobota) Kruskie of Mesick; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeremy, Andrea, Robin, Rachel, Megan, Aaron, Tucker, Leah, Gerry, and Trista; 12 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband James, on May 11, 2011, after 55 years of marriage; her parents; and by 4 siblings, Dale Frye, Richard Frye, Betty Johnecheck, and Shirley Strickland.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 27th at Stone Funeral Home from 6pm-8pm.  The family will again receive friends on Tuesday, April 28th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church from 10am until the time of the funeral Mass at 11am.  Burial will immediately follow the funeral Mass at Greenwood Cemetery. A commemorative luncheon will be held at Gypsy Distillery, 5251 Charlevoix Ave. from 1-4PM.

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