Marian Elizabeth (Gelow) “Ducky” Zeis
Marian Elizabeth (Gelow) “Ducky” Zeis passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Born December 9, 1936, to Harold and Marian Gelow. Marian lived in Durand, Charlotte, Lansing and at her family cottage in Greenville. She graduated from Sexton High School in 1954 and worked for the State of Michigan for 37 years.
Marian is survived by her daughters, Deborah Zeis (Judy Tegreeny) and Theresa Thomas; grandson, Levi G. Thomas; and special friend, Julia Freije. Preceding her in death were her parents, Harold and Marian Gelow; sister, Mary Johnson; granddaughters, Vanessa, Ginger, and Erika Hicks; and former husband, Robert D. Zeis.
Family was everything to Marian. She loved her daughters, saying they were “the best part of her life”, along with her grandchildren. She was always sharing stories about them to anyone who would listen.
In 1953, her parents purchased a cottage on Half Mile Lake in Gowen, MI. This was Marian’s “Happy Place”, where she was known as “Ducky” (her family nickname). After retiring, Ducky spent 23 summers at the lake, cherishing every moment, whether it was enjoying family and friends, riding around the lake on the pontoon or entertaining her grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ele’s Place.
9 Messages to “Marian Elizabeth (Gelow) “Ducky” Zeis”
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Steven Thomas
June 29, 2025 at 4:01 pmForever Peeps.
Kim baker
June 29, 2025 at 5:07 pmI know been years ago but found memories with you girls while parents played poker!
Loyd Fields
June 29, 2025 at 6:51 pmWe always looking forward for the Christmas cards she send us in the mail all the time then we call her to thank her for the card we will miss her love you ant ducky
Julie Freije
June 29, 2025 at 8:06 pmI so enjoyed time spent with our dear Marion.
She always made me feel loved, especially at Thanksgiving and other holidays when she welcomed me into her home for a delicious meal.
Summers at her lake cottage were such nice, restful getaways from the busy city life. Whenever I walked through the cottage door I felt like I was stepping back in time to a simpler era where time slowed down and life was fully enjoyed, (although we would occasionally joke about the two cables from wall to wall holding the structure together).
Marion may not be with us now in physical form but her joyful spirit will always hold a special place in my heart.
Chaplain Dan Johnson
June 30, 2025 at 12:24 pmMarian was a popular and well respected member of the Great Lakes Christian Homes retirement community while she lived here. She was greatly missed by the residents and staff alike when she moved away. Please accept our sympathy at her passing.
Jeff Smith
June 30, 2025 at 2:01 pmDeb and Theresa, So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
ECHRS
July 1, 2025 at 10:50 amSending our condolences from the staff at ECHRS
Kelly Mennega
July 1, 2025 at 10:38 pmMarion was a wonderful presence in my life during the 11 years I lived on Chrysler Road. We became fast friends almost immediately—it always felt like the timing was just meant to be.
We shared countless Thursday lunches at the Half Way Diner and held epic leaf-burning sessions around the cul-de-sac each fall. Many times, Marion would walk over just to say hello, see what I was up to, share something interesting, or lend a hand.
She had such great style—always pulled together, always matching perfectly. When walking across the road became more difficult, I’d bring boxes of wallets over for her to unwrap. She seemed to genuinely enjoy helping me, and I always found that to be so kind and thoughtful.
I’ll always be grateful for that time with Marion. She made those years lighter, warmer, and a lot more fun.
Kevin Rupp
July 4, 2025 at 3:34 pmI enjoyed visiting and chatting with Ducky in her screen tent on Half Mile Lake. She shared wonderful stories. We always had fun hunting mushrooms around her cottage. My fondest memories are when we burned leaves in the fall. She was always there to help. Ducky was awesome with a rake.