Marcella (Marcie) Lancour Filteau

Marcella was born on February 24, 1926, to Ewald and Sophia (Porath) Leisner at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. She was the youngest of ten siblings. Marcella attended West Ford River School and graduated from Escanaba Senior High in 1943. While roller skating, she met Fred Lancour, and the former Marcella Leisner married on May 12, 1943. Fred preceded her in death on October 10, 1973.

Fred had joined the United States Air Force and Marcella went along for the journey. First, they were stationed in Miami Beach for basic training, then to Amarillo, Texas, Dyersburg, Tenn., and finally, Lincoln, Neb. before returning home to Escanaba to settle and raise their family. Unexpectedly, Fred passed away in October of 1973. She was later married to Alphonse “Al” Filteau at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Escanaba September 5, 1975 and he preceded her in death on July 16, 2008.

Marcella worked at Hoyler Baking Co. as a bookkeeper, and later at Lauerman’s Store. She then studied for several years at Bay de Noc Community College and then worked at St. Francis Hospital in the collection department. She kept herself busy with clipping Poodles and she took in washing too. She also became licensed to open her home for children in need of temporary home life. In her free time, she enjoyed skiing on snow and water. She was a member of the Escanaba Water Skiing Club and even ran the club snack bar.

Marcella was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hyde, where she was a dedicated member of the Women’s Evening Group and taught Sunday school for fifty years and later moving to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Escanaba continuing her dedication to the church.

Marcella is survived by her son, John (Janice) Lancour; son-in-law, Joseph Vogel; grandchildren Joan and Jason Lancour, Jennifer Austin, Kristine, James, Kevin, and Justin Vogel; numerous great-grandchildren; special niece, Ruth Chouinard who brought cake and ice cream to Marcella each year for her birthday; other beloved nieces, nephews; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; infant children Duane and Patricia; daughter Kathy Vogel; and siblings Albert, Clarence, Harold, Katherine, Martha, Bertha, Anna, Celia, and Florence.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14 at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 S. 30th Street, Escanaba. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Thursday at Salem Evangelical Lutheran with Pastor Paul Doletzky officiating. A meal will be served immediately following the funeral service. Burial will take place in the West Ford River Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.