MARQUETTE, MI. - Mary Jo Jarvis, age 70, died on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at her home at 7321 County Road 550.
Mary Jo was born on February 19, 1942 in Crystal Falls, Michigan, the daughter of George and Lila Floodstrand. Mary Jo attended Crystal Falls High School and graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. On July 18, 1964, she married Jerry Jarvis who also attended Crystal Falls High School and graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She and her husband have traveled extensively, residing in Peoria, Illinois; Hong Kong, Singapore, New Delhi, India, Manila, Philippines, Marquette, Lancaster, Ohio; and Chillicothe, Illinois before returning back to Marquette. Their four children were born in four different countries.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jerry; three sons, Daniel of Marquette; Benjamin (Ellen) of Damascus, MD; Timothy of Lancaster, OH; one daughter, Lisa (Don) Lehman of Queensbury, NY; and eight grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Kenneth of Appleton, WI; and Frederic (Utimia) of Beebe, AR; and one sister, Lois of Appleton, WI. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lila Floodstrand.
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Mary Jo Jarvis
Mary Jo loved children, was an excellent cook and loved the out of doors. Her daily routine always included spending some time on her back porch with a cup of coffee simply enjoying nature's splendor. Also included was a daily walk with her two dogs. Her outdoor interests included camping, fishing, walking, flower gardening, bird watching, berry picking, snowmobiling and her favorite four wheeling. Even though she traveled and lived in many locations, both domestically and internationally, her favorite place of all was her current residence overlooking Bear Lake located south of Big Bay.
A celebration of Mary Jo's life will be held at the Jarvis residence at 7321 County Road 550 (Fire No. N2144) on Thursday, July 5, 2012. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm followed at 3:00 pm by an outdoor service officiated by Rev. Darryl Small of Big Bay. Casual attire is encouraged.
Donations in Mary Jo's memory may be made to: Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderfuneralhome.com.