Marie Kindstrand

Marie was born on Jan. 27, 1946, to the late Leslie and Verna (Torma) Kampinen, and grew up in Republic. She graduated as class valedictorian from Republic High School, and attended college at Northern Michigan University, attaining a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education.

A life-long educator, Marie spent the majority of her 42-year career teaching fifth grade at Breitung Township Schools. She was an excellent Scrabble player, an avid Green Bay Packers fan, a breast cancer survivor, a great mother and sister, and a kind and loyal friend to all who knew her.

Words cannot adequately describe what her love and support meant to her friends and family, especially to her daughter, whom she raised as a single parent. She was also a compassionate caregiver for her late brother, David, who was born with Down syndrome. Marie created a loving home for her brother and daughter.

She leaves behind her daughter, Rachel Kindstrand of Chicago; sister, Deborah, and brother-in-law, David Beers, of Crown Point, Ind.; brother-in-law, Michael Batzer, also of Crown Point; sister, Dianne Kampinen of Chicago; and wonderful friends, Dorothy Anderson and Patricia Bergeron, among many others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by her brothers, Dale and David Kampinen, and by her sister, Rachel Batzer.

Visitation will be at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, followed by the funeral service at 6 p.m.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Marie Kindstrand at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.