Marie Harjala
CALUMET, MI – Marie Harjala, 94, a resident of Calumet, Copper City and Lac La Belle, and for the past two years a resident of the Norlite Nursing Home in Marquette, went home to be with the Lord on March 16, 2017.
She was born on March 4, 1923, in Muskegon Michigan, a daughter of the late William and Hannah (Luke) Simula. Marie attended school in Ahmeek and the Calumet High School.
She was united in marriage to Arthur W. Harjala on September 14, 1940 in Ahmeek, and they spent 43 very happy years together. He preceded her in death in January of 1983.
A consummate mother and homemaker, Marie raised seven children and made exceptional pasty, cabbage rolls and nissuua. Her travels always allowed her to spend time with her children and grandchildren, and she described her experiences in a series of journals. Marie shared her love of the Lord with all around her. She was also an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers, watching as many games as possible, always cheering for “My Tiger!”
Marie had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of the Laurium Apostolic Lutheran Church, as well as the Apostolic Lutheran Church ladies group, and loved to listen to services even after moving to Marquette. She was also a volunteer at Still Waters Assisted Living Facility.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son Wayne Harjala, two brothers and two sisters.
Surviving are three sons: Gerald (Audrey) Harjala of Traprock, MI, Donald (Velvet) Harjala of Gwinn, MI and Kenneth (Regina) Harjala of Gwinn,MI.,three daughters: Darlene (Paul) Badovinac of Galveston, TX, Patricia (Dan) Rudebeck of Neenah, WI and Faith (Neil) Hensrud of Bemidji, MN. As well as a loved daughter-in-law Pauline (Ross) Easterling of Copper City, MI
She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchild ren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 1:00 PM in the Laurium Apostolic Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 from 4 until 7 PM in the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home, as well as one hour before the funeral service at the Laurium Apostolic Lutheran Church.
Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowley peterson.com. Memorials may be given to the Laurium Apostolic Lutheran Church 246 Tamarack Street Laurium, MI 49913
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.