Mary C. Strelcheck

BESSEMER, Mich. - Mary C. Strelcheck, 88, formerly of Bessemer and a long-time resident of Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, Nov. 26, 2023.

Mary was born on April 1, 1934, the daughter of Joseph and Sophie (Hornick) Grasso. Mary graduated from Hurley High School in 1953.

On Aug. 27, 1955, she was united in marriage to William H. Strelcheck at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montreal, Wisconsin. They were happily married for 58 years.

Mary was employed at Gambles store and SuperValu, both in Bessemer. She was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, the Daughters of Isabella, and the American Legion Auxiliary since 1959, and she has volunteered at St. Sebastian pasty sales.

Mary loved hosting large family gatherings and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (sledding, playing cards, outings at the camp, making cinnamon rolls and pasties). She was always willing to help anyone in need and was a great caregiver to many. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Diane Grasso; her husband, William; and brothers Joseph, Richard and Michael Grasso.

Mary is survived by two sons, Gary (Diane) of Olathe, Kansas, and Randy (Jennifer) of Kingsford; a daughter, Diane (Kevin) McIlhon of Clive, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Kari (JD) Hillen, Katie (Brad) Smith, Joseph (Jenny) Strelcheck, Kevin (Lisa) Strelcheck, Melissa (Mason) McIlhon, Molly McIlhon and Emma McIlhon; six great-grandchildren, Logan, Luke, Grant, Gabby, Jason and Eleanor; a sister, Lucille Dovichi; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

To honor Mary's life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer in summer 2024.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the very caring staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility. Everyone there showed Mary and her family great care and kindness.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Mary's legacy of life. You can leave condolences or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.