A longtime Alpena and Alcona County elementary school teacher, Jennie Jane Grezlak, 87, of 145 Woodland Dr., Alpena, passed away at Medilodge Nursing Home in Hillman on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 9:20 a.m.

Jennie was born July 4, 1922 to the late Walter and Martha (Kocan) Grezlak in Presque Isle Country, moving with her parents to Long Rapids Township in 1928. She attended and graduated from Alpena High School, Alpena County Normal and received her bachelor and master degrees in elementary education from Central Michigan University. She started her teaching in one-room schools, including Hinton, Bolton schools in Maple Ridge Township, the Leer and Lachine schools in Long Rapids Township, before teaching at the Glennie School in Alcona County's Curtis Township for 16 years. Jennie also taught at Maple Ridge and Ella White schools for the Alpena Public Schools before her retirement in 1985.

Jennie was a dedicated teacher for 42 years, put a lot of effort in preparing her students for their next year. She enjoyed traveling with her friends around the United State and abroad. In her free time she loved working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, NEA, MEA, MASP, Besser Museum Founders Society, AARP, American Heart Association and a past member of the Alpena Garden Club, where she was treasurer for many years.

Surviving are two brothers, Walter Grezlak of Grand Rapids, Edward Grezlak of Alpena; one sister, Irene Dziesinski and brother-in-law, Chet Dziesinski of Alpena; two nieces, Loretta DeSantis of Sterling Heights, Judy Piersma of Rochester Hills; 2 nephews, Kenneth Dziesinski of San Francisco, Alan Dziesinski of Ossineke; 8 great nieces and nephews, Tracy and Tyler Piersma, Angela Igrisan, Lucas, Leandra, Jaime, Adam and Amberly Dziesinski; and 2 great-great nephews, Danniel and Samuel Igrisan.

Preceding her in death were one sister, Marie Ode and brother-in-law, Ted Ode; two nephews, Roger and Robert Ode; and sister-in-law Barbara Grezlak.

Miss Grezlak is at the Bannan Funeral Home in Alpena where family and friends may call on Friday from 2-8 p.m. and where the funeral service will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Eugene Bacon of the First United Methodist Church officiating.

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery

Memorials: First United Methodist Church, Besser Museum Founders Society and Alpena Senior Citizens