ISHPEMING - Marvin J. Luoma, 83, of 81 North Shore Drive, Ishpeming Township, died after a brief illness early Thursday morning, July 16, 2009. Marvin was in the loving care of his family and Lake Superior Hospice.

Marvin was born on November 19, 1925, to the late John and Ellen (Aho) Luoma in Ishpeming. Marvin lost his father as a baby and his mother when he was four; therefore he was raised by Finnish grandparents and several devoted aunts and uncles. He claims several sisters and brothers from this upbringing.

Marvin graduated from Ishpeming high School in 1943 and Northern Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree after World War II. He taught school in Ishpeming High School for thirty years. It goes without saying he loved "his boys." They still remark about his special techniques and how he helped them find their life's work.

Marvin was a vibrant man who loved teaching, hunting, camping, golfing and the friends he met in each of these. He was a proud Navy veteran of World War II. He served on the destroyer escort Jacob Jones.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Joan (Perry) Luoma of Ishpeming; "Marvin's Girls," Ellen (Marvin) Flack of Ishpeming, Patricia (Kevin) Small of Houston, Texas, Terri Prud'homme of Haciendia Heights, Calif., and Kristin (Martin) Cassens of Girdwood, Alaska; and 6 grandchildren, Sonja and Shelby Flack, Jacob John Small, Brittany and Zach Riggs, and Madelyn Cassens. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; maternal grandparents; a son, Keith Perry Luoma; and a granddaughter, Megan Marie Small.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 20, 2009, at 5 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Scott Lindenberg officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives from 3 p.m. until the time of services at 5 p.m. at the church. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 will be holding a military honors service preceding a luncheon at the church. Burial will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gerald Anderson, Robert Waters, Allen Perry and Walter Nuorala.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marvin's name to the Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock St., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Marvin's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com, where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance.