Obituaries

Melvin "Mick" Felix Frechette, age 88, of Sugar Island, Michigan, died on February 28, 2026, at Ball Hospice House of the EUP in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on February 24, 1938, in Sault Ste. Marie to Michael Frechette and Anna Oller.

Mick grew up on Sugar Island and attended Sault Area Schools. He joined the United States Army and served for three years, and later in life he ended up being on 100% disability from the Army due to an injury. He returned home briefly before moving to the Durand, Michigan, area where he began working in the automotive industry and met Judy Ann Pudil through mutual family. They married on March 16, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, and were married for fifty-eight years. In 1969, Melvin and Judy returned to Sault Ste. Marie, working small jobs before starting at the Soo Locks. He worked his way up from a security guard to lineman before he retired in 2000 as a lock master operator. Melvin was also an officer for the Equal Employment Opportunities at the Soo Locks.

Mick was a member of the St. Isaacs Jocques Catholic Church in Sault Ste. Marie for many years. He served as an altar boy for Father Lawless and Rev. Paul M. Prudhomme at the Sacred Heart Church on Sugar Island. He was the caretaker for Wilwalk Cemetery and Gem Island Cemetery.

Mick was a traditional pipe carrier for many years and a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He was very traditional and loved sharing his knowledge with anyone. He also was a big part of the Sugar Island Pow Wow and will be greatly missed.

Mick loved playing the guitar, singing, telling stories, and socializing with family and friends. He enjoyed going to the sugar bush to make syrup and teaching the Ojibwa language. Most of all he loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mick is survived by his children, Lori (Russell) Tyner of Neebish Island, Michigan, Dan (Erika) Frechette of Naples, Florida, Jackie Frechette of Sault Ste. Marie, Darren (Diane) Frechette of Traverse City, Michigan; grandchildren, Courtney Tyner, Hunter (Emilee) Tyner, Daniel Frechette, Michaela (Austin) Clow, Autumn Kinnear, Jacob Frechette, Mel Frechette, Tyler Frechette, Emilie Frechette; great-grandchildren, Colton and Bella; and many nieces and nephews.

Mick was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Frechette; parents, Anna & Michael; siblings, Leo Mendoskin, Agnus Frechette, Rose (Joseph) Ruditis, Marie (Jack) Hoagarth, Dave Mendoskin; granddaughter, Theresa Ann Frechette; nephews, Donald Silva and Leslie Ruditis, whom he was extremely close to and who played a big part in the ceremonies and teaching he participated in through the years; and many other nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 12:00 Noon until the Traditional Ceremony on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Ice Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, immediately following military services at 10:00 AM.

Memorial contributions in Melvin’s honor may be made to Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.