Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Frances J. Rampanelli

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Frances J. Rampanelli, 87, formerly a long-time resident of Anvil Location, Bessemer Township, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, Dec. 9, 2017.

Frances was born on July 10, 1930, in Bessemer, a daughter of Frank and Mary (Babicky) Probelski. She attended St. Sebastian Catholic School and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1948.

Frances moved to Milwaukee and was employed as a secretary at L.M. Berry Telephone Directory Company for five years.

On June 10, 1950, Frances was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, David J. Rampanelli, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer by the Rev. Charles Swoboda. They shared more than 65 wonderful years together and raised three children.

They resided in Milwaukee until 1957 and then moved to Ramsay for two years and then made their home in Anvil.

Frances worked at various businesses in the area, including Stan's Big Dollar Super Market and the Enchanted House, both in Bessemer.

She was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Ramsay and a supporting member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a devoted member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

Frances was a sports enthusiast, who was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan and especially enjoyed watching quarterback Brett Favre. She never missed a Detroit Tigers baseball game and always looked forward to the World Series.

She loved being surrounded by her family. Her granddaughters and great-grandchildren brought Frances immense joy.

Frances was a devout Catholic. She spent countless hours praying the rosary and reading her prayer books. Frances was known to pray for everyone, but especially for her granddaughters. She prayed for them to have success at special events, taking tests or going for a job interview.

Christmas was her very favorite time of year. She will always be remembered by her family and friends as one who absolutely loved to decorate her home for Christmas. Frances took great pleasure hosting delicious Christmas Eve meals, and her specialty was homemade ravioli. She baked a variety of scrumptious Christmas cookies. Frances so enjoyed shopping for her entire family during the holiday season.

Frances is survived by a son, Bruce (Debora), Juneau, Wis .; two daughters, Pat (Jack) Malovrh, Wakefield, and Diane (Gary) Strelcheck, Olathe, Kan .; five granddaughters, Rebecca (Matt) Ludtke, Sarah (Andrew) Wroblewski, Erin (James) Helman, Kari (J.D.) Hillen and Katie (Brad) Smith; eight great-grandchildren, Sam, Theo, Jonah, Tenley, Logan, Grant, Gabby and Luke; a sister, Margaret (Edgar) Bielecki, Bessemer; and numerous dear nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, David, on March 6, 2016; five brothers, Robert, at Guam during World War II, Edward, Phil, Lawrence and Clarence Probelski; and two sisters, Grace Tarro and Mary Hornick.

Honoring Frances' life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 8, 2018, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., in Bessemer, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the caring staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility and Aspirus Ironwood Hospital. Special acknowledgements are given to Dr. James Rocco and Dr. Steven Phillipson for their kindnesses shown to Frances and her family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.