Diane Kay Frankovich

Diane Kay Frankovich, age 57, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017, in Petoskey, Michigan, surrounded by family. Diane was born August 25, 1959, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Lawrence Francis Opalka and Rosemary Jean (Maciag) Opalka. Diane grew up in Goetzville, Michigan, and attended Detour High School where she graduated in 1977. She married in 1979 and continued to live in Goetzville. Diane worked at Drummond Island Resort for many years, as well as at Hiawatha Wreath for eight years until they closed. She continued to make Christmas wreaths for private sales following the company’s dissolution. Diane worked for Walmart in Sault Ste. Marie for five years. She then retired due to her declining health, a result of her lifelong battle with diabetes. Diane was a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Goetzville and the Raber Area Sportsmen’s Club. Diane was known for her sarcastic wit and inexhaustible supply of humorous remarks. She loved catching up with friends and relatives, looking forward to any social event where she could exchange stories and gossip. Diane’s other interests included watching NASCAR, canning, cooking and baking, planting flowers, watching game shows, and playing cards. She enjoyed her favorite cat Scootie and was an avid collector of cat figurines. She was especially proud of and loved to spend time with her daughter Jamie and grandson Jake. Throughout Diane’s battle with diabetes, she crossed paths with many amazing caretakers and patients. Special thanks goes out to all those individuals who cared for Diane throughout her life, especially her Sault Ste. Marie dialysis team – she was so fond of you all. Diane is survived by her daughter, Jamie Rose Frankovich of Sault Ste. Marie; grandson, Jake Charles Newell; mother, Rosemary Opalka of Goetzville; brothers, Paul Opalka, Timothy Opalka, and Duane Opalka, all of Goetzville; sisters, Amy (David) DeVine of Dallas, Texas, and Jean Opalka of Sault Ste. Marie; and nieces, Tessa Opalka and Tasha Opalka. Diane was preceded in death by infant twins, Scott Vernon and Jenny Kay Frankovich; and her father, Lawrence Opalka. Services will be held Thursday February 9, at R. Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129, in Pickford, Michigan. Public gathering will be at 12:00 Noon with a memorial service to follow at 1:00 P.M. Final resting place will be St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Cemetery in Goetzville. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com

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Diane Kay Frankovich

August 25, 1959 - February 4, 2017