Obituaries

Archie Leroy Freeland, age 95, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, with loved ones by his side. He was born on February 22, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, to Arthur and Dorothy (Conley) Freeland.

Archie married the love of his life, Ruby Jean, in January of 1949, and the two were inseparable for 64 wonderful years until her passing in 2013.

In 1978, Archie and Ruby moved to Sugar Island, joining his parents, Arthur and Georgia Freeland, in operating Freeland’s Full View Resort. There, they created countless memories and formed many lifelong friendships that became like family.

Archie loved life on Sugar Island. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the hummingbirds, and taking care of his property, often seen cutting both his and his neighbor’s grass, or happily spending hours on his tractor blowing snow or mulching leaves. Above all, he treasured sharing daily coffee and conversation with his closest friends.

Archie is survived by his daughter, Carol (Pat) Topij; grandchildren, John Henry (Lattieca) Hafendorfer, Cheryn (Rodney) Sanford, and Michael (Barb) Hafendorfer; great-grandchildren, Quintin Hafendorfer, Trevor Hafendorfer, Riley Hafendorfer, Caree Hough, Jordan Sanford, Elizabeth Hafendorfer, and Jacob Hafendorfer; and great-great grandsons, Ryan Hough and Brayden Hough.

Archie will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Ruby, at Watertown Cemetery in Fostoria, Michigan.

A Celebration of Archie’s wonderful long life will be held in the spring of 2026.