Marie D. Bazey, 82, of Cumberland, WI passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 21, 2020. Marie was born in Bone Lake Township on February 1, 1938 and was the oldest daughter of Erlice (Nelson) and Raymond Dueholm. She was confirmed at Bone Lake Lutheran Church in 1952, attended Lafollette and McKinley schools, and graduated from Luck High School in 1956. In 1955, Marie was introduced to John Bazey while working at a drive inn in Minneapolis, MN. They dated during Marie’s senior year and married on August 11, 1956 in Minneapolis. Shortly thereafter, John was stationed at an Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA where they lived until 1961. While in California, Marie gave birth to sons John Duane and Daryl Ray. In 1962, they moved back to Wisconsin where they lived in Rice Lake for about a year while they built their house in McKinley. In 1975, Marie gave birth to their daughter, Denise Lynn.  

Marie worked at Falcon Drill in Cumberland for a few years before she started working as a cook for the East Luck School. In 1978, she became the head cook at Luck school where she worked until her retirement. Marie loved her job and all the kids that came through the lunch line each day. During the summer months, she would babysit her grandchildren and a few other children who loved her like their own grandma. For a few summers, she worked full time at the Seneca canning factory in Cumberland. After she retired, things got even busier for Marie as retirement was not a time to sit still! Her dreams of volunteering full time had come true. The family often joked about her being busier in retirement than when she was working full time. 

Marie always enjoyed doing things for others and volunteering wherever she could. When her children were younger, she was a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher, and youth group leader. Later, she was on the board at the United Pioneer Home, volunteered in classrooms at the Luck school, drove for Interfaith Care Givers, helped organize the American Cancer Society walk in Luck every year, and volunteered with the Kinship program and the Tobacco Collation. However, volunteering for her church and with her church family at Bone Lake Lutheran Church was her passion. Marie could always be found in the church kitchen or helping to plan the next event, like the yearly Thanksgiving dinner. She was involved in the gathering and distributing of the clothes that were gathered for Gifts of Warm Clothing. Marie was always ready to make pies and help at the food booth at the Polk County Fair. She was also instrumental in starting Ruby’s Pantry in the area. 

Marie’s real love was for her family. She would do anything for them and could always be found at her grandchildren’s many activities including concerts, plays, sporting events, gymnastics meets, and racing – she wouldn’t miss them! You could always hear her cheering even if she didn’t understand the game. Marie loved traveling with the family, and they traveled all over the United States and abroad. She loved getting together with friends for a good old card party, going camping, or just visiting. Marie is going to be missed by many! 

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Erlice Dueholm Walich and Raymond Dueholm; stepfather, Harold Walich; infant brother, Duane Dueholm; and sister, Linda Nystrom. 

Marie leaves to celebrate her life – her husband of 63 years, John E. Bazey; sons, John Duane (Diane) Bazey of Rochester, MN and Daryl (Rhonda) Bazey of Luck, WI; daughter, Denise (Shane) Nelson of Frederic, WI; sisters, Dorothy (Harvey) Roberts and Patsy Shirley; brothers, Roger (Mary) Dueholm, Allen (Kathy) Dueholm, and Gary (Betty) Dueholm; brothers-in-law, David (Donna) Nystrom, Leonard (Ingrid) Bazey, and Ernest (Bobbie) Bazey; and sisters-in-law, Shirley LaMere, Shirley Bazey, Bernice Bazey, Bev Bazey, and Marie Bazey; grandchildren, Kelsey Bazey (Kevin Fisher), Josh (Marissa) Bazey, Jordan Bazey (Shelby Metzer), and Claire Nelson; and great grandson, Ellison Bazey; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A small graveside service will be held for family only on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11:00am at the Bone Lake Cemetery. Following the service, there will be a celebration of Marie’s life for all to attend at John and Marie’s home at 439-270th Ave in Cumberland from 12:00-3:00pm. If people do not feel comfortable getting together at this time, they may drive by the home and sign the guest book that will be located at the end of the driveway. Please come and celebrate this wonderful woman with us anyway you feel comfortable. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home.

Last Update: May 27, 2020 6:40 am CDT