"Thank you again Lou, the same as I told you several times in person, for introducing me to the many fine songs of the 40's and 50's of Peggy Lee, Billy Holliday and others. As one of the original members of the Group Wee Three I enjoyed the many times we played together and I always thought your singing and piano stylings were just great. Thank you again, Lou, you had set a standard by which I have since guaged other singers and pianists and jazz trios by."
In loving memory of
E. LOUISE (LOU) FRISK
November 17, 1929 - January 27, 2009
Evangeline Louise "Lou" Frisk, 79, formerly of 437 West Magnetic Street, entered eternal life Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at the Norlite Nursing Center.
She was born in Marquette on November 17, 1929, the daughter of John and Delcie (Luneau) Frisk. She attended John D. Pierce School, graduating in 1947 and received her teaching degree from Northern Michigan University in 1952. Majoring in Music with minors in English and psychology, Lou taught for many years in various schools throughout the U.P. and Lower Michigan before retiring from the Negaunee School District in 1986. Throughout the years, Lou brought the joy of music to countless students, colleagues and family members.
In addition to teaching for over thirty years, Lou was an integral part of Camp Batawagama (Iron County Youth Camp) in Iron County, Michigan. She loved camp and worked faithfully for over 40 summers, teaching campers vital skills on the waterfront, and bringing the mess hall alive with wonderful camp songs. Lou was a superb pianist and could play most songs by ear. Ask anyone what they remember most of Lou, and they will undoubtedly say what a great piano player she was. She truly had a special gift and loved to share that with her family, friends, students and campers.
She was a devout Catholic and was a long time member of St. Michael's Parish in Marquette. She was active at one time in their music programs. Later in life she also attended what she called the "rock masses" on Sunday evening at St. Peter's Cathedral. She loved to see the kids involved, singing and playing instruments.
Music was a constant in Lou's life and she was involved in many groups over the years, both singing and playing the piano. Most recently she was a part of The Dixieland Express, The Wee Three Trio and The Westerly Winds Big Band. In addition to music and family, Lou enjoyed the U.P., nature, politics, cribbage, science fiction and many other topics.
Survivors include a sister-in-law, Cam Frisk of Denver, CO; nieces, Pam Frisk (CJ Wright) of Shepherdsville, KY; Debbie Frisk of Ashippun, WI; Jude (Rob) Mitchell of Silverthorne, CO and Mogie Frisk of Denver, CO; nephews, John Frisk of Denver, CO; David Frisk (Lisa Torres) of Denver, CO; Gregory (Darlene) Gagnon of Marquette, MI and Jeffery Gagnon of Marquette, MI; many cousins, "double cousins," great nieces, great nephews and countless musical partners and students from over the years.
Preceding her in death were her parents John and Delcie (Luneau) Frisk; siblings, Albert William Frisk, John D. "Jack" Frisk, and Mary Elizabeth Gagnon; brother-in-law, William R. Gagnon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette on Monday, May 11th at 12 Noon. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. till the time of the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations in Lou's memory are preferred and may be directed to Iron County Youth Camp, 909 Pentoga Trail, Crystal Falls, MI 49920 or St. Michael Catholic Church, 401 West Kaye Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Catherine Kroll and the entire staff at Norlite Nursing Center. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"I will always remember Lou driving to Big Bay in her Cadillac and bringing so much fun and entertainment to the Lumberjack Tavern! What a talented and generous woman...she will be missed. Jane Campbell"
"Although I never heard Lou sing or play the piano, it sounds like she did it very well! I just got to know her over the past few months when my grandmother was her roommate at Norlite. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time."
"I am so sorry for your loss. I am an employee of Norlite and although I wish that I could have known Lou when she was in better health, she was always a very nice and pleasant person and I enjoyed taking care of her and stopping to say hello when I was not working on her wing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"To the Frisk family: How we enjoyed Lou's playing at Mount Shasta and the Northwoods. She gave many people a lot of pleasure. My sincere sympathy to all of you. Joanie"
"Jack and I listened and danced to her music for many years. Lou was a solid, professional colleague. She was a generous, compassionate friend. She knew how to keep secrets and had great gifts of humour and loyalty.She loved jazz , Stan Kenton and laughter.Lou was a very special person.We appreciate her memory. The Shibley Family 2100 Kings Highway #944 Port Charlotte Florida, 33980"
"To the frisk family, My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Lou will be missed here at norlite she had a great sence of humor and I ejoyed talking with her and saying good mornig to her every day.saddley missed."
"Lou we will all miss you but we will never forget you. Many of us had the privilege to work with Lou at "camp" and still talk/laugh at all the hours we spent together in the summer singing and growing into adults. Lou taught each of us that "Friendship Take Effort" no matter where you lived.... FTE to you Lou!!! Cheers!!!!"
"Lou was a special model for me. I worked with her in the Southfield Public Schools. She taught me how to treat all people. She was always kind, considerate and enjoyed being with people. She always made me feel special. She did that with everybody. She was always happy and enjoyed living. Her memory will always be with me."
"Lou, You always refused to let me sing the melody when I sat on one side of the piano bench and Bob Williams sat on the other side after dinners at Batawagama. I faught you all the way. You taught me the breast stroke-it took two years. You were tough, but like everyone else, I loved you. Bob Williams is now the head councelor, and both my kids went every summer. I'll never forget you. DeMilio"
"We will remember Lou as an excellent educator and as a very good friend-(and a pretty good Cribbage player, also!). We have been enriched by her friendship, humor and fabulous music. The FTE gatherings have provided us with great memories. THANKS, Lou. Carry on playing and singing for the Heavenly crowd."
"I Sit here with a small smile on my face thinking about all the times at Camp sitting in the mess hall, singing my heart out to be the first table dismissed at lunch and Lou pounding away on the keyboards looking left and then right make the whole place rock until I thought the roof was going to blow off....thank you for your beauty and one of a kind charm that I will treasure forever."
"I had the great good fortune to be at Camp Batawagama as a camper when Lou was there. She was tough - it was morning, it was 55 degrees out, but we were in the water, because she told us to be in the water. She taught me to swim and she taught me to stop whining. She also taught me to sing and dance with gusto. She was an integral part of the camp and she was wonderful. I'm grateful that I had the chance to know her. My sympathy goes out to her family and friends and to everyone else who loved her."
"I, too, was privileged to know Lou from Camp Batawagama; first as a camper, later as a fellow staff member; and even later as the parent of an elementary student in her fourth grade music class at Lakeview Elementary in Negaunee. Lou set a high standard for anyone who wanted to work with youngsters in any way. She let each person, young or old, know that in her eyes they found respect and (albeit, sometimes quirky) dignity. She laughed at herself and allowed the rest of us to learn to do that with ourselves. What a rich heritage she has left behind. May God comfort and strengthen her family and friends in their time of loss."