Margaret Mary Mleko

Margaret Mary Mleko, known as "Maggie" age 76, of Baraga, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Margaret was born on April 20, 1948, in Portland, MI, to Louis and Theresia (Bengel) Spitzley. On January 15, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart Joseph Mleko at St. Patrick's Church in Portland, MI. Their union was blessed with the birth of their first child shortly thereafter. Margaret dedicated herself to being a homemaker, a devoted wife, and loving mother, proudly raising her family. She later pursued her education at Gogebic and worked at the MCC Camp. Margaret also served as the office manager at Alberta Ford Forestry and finished her career at MTU Forestry in Houghton.

A devout member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins, MI, Margaret's quiet strong faith was a constant throughout her life. She was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother and every June, when the lilacs bloomed, she would gather them and place them around the Blessed Mother statue. Maggie was a great cook and holiday dinners were " her season". she would begin preparing days in advance, making her pie crusts for lemon merangue, fudge, popcorn balls and breads. Family gatherings were always filled with fun and mischief, she cherished having all 6 of her children under the same roof at one time and every time saw to having a picture taken while all were together, capturing the moment. Margaret loved children and was especially fond of babies, she looked forward to each and every grandchild. Maggie, would often, while making bread, knead the dough into a shape and invite the kids to line up and slap it, creating lasting memories. She also found joy in flower gardening. Petunias, peonies and geraniums among her many favorites. Maggie was a whiz with anything crossword and was lethal with jigsaw puzzles. Every winter Joe would bring up the drafting table so Maggie could keep an ongoing jigsaw puzzle. Maggie loved her home and her house. She simply liked being at home.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Joseph Mleko, of Baraga; her children: Steve (Debra) Mleko of Rapid River, MI, Kevin Mleko of Pelkie, Paul (Stacey) Mleko of Woodruff, WI, Jennifer Mleko of Baraga, and her dog Merle; son-in-law Dan Whitman; her brother, Gene (Fran) Spitzley of Lansing, MI; her grandchildren: Jackie and Jessica Walitalo, Stevie, Matthew, Jacob, Hannah, Lindsay, Mitch, Luke, and Mark Mleko; and her great-grandchildren: Jacob and James Isaacson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Theresia Spitzley; her son, Thomas Mleko; her daughter, Theresia Whitman; her brother, Daniel Spitzley; and her sisters, Betty Spitzley and Marie Manning.

A memorial service will be held in the fall. Burial will follow at Pequaming Cemetery, alongside her children. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Friends may sign Margaret's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com <http://www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com/>.