Shirley A. Juntila

Shirley was born May 21. 1936 in Trout Creek, MI to the late Andrew and Lillian (Winberg) Lelvis. She graduated from Trout Creek High School. Shirley married Elmer J. Juntila on August 6, 1955 and together they raised four children. They celebrated 62 years of marriage. Shirley worked for Bell Memorial Hospital for many years working initially in Oncology and then in the Medical Records department, retiring in 1996.

Shirley was a faithful member of the Faith Lutheran Church. She sang in the choir, served on the church council, and was active on the altar guild and fellowship committee. Outside of the church, Shirley enjoyed baking, cleaning, shopping, spending time with her sisters and friends, and taking care of her family, especially her grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by three sons: Kirby (Debi Cain-Juntila) Juntila of Marquette, Kerry “Jack” (Pam) Juntila of Champion, and John (Danelle) Juntila of Champion, one daughter, Kathy (David) Richards of Ishpeming, grandchildren: Olivia (Alex Prasad) Juntila, Drew (fiance Megan Jakubiak) Juntila, Joshua (Megan) Richards, Jacob (Brittany Mauldin) Richards, Casey (Jason Kirkland) Juntila, Evan Juntila, two sisters: Bette (Ken) Ahola of Ramsey, MI and Jeanette (John) Vlahos of Howell, MI, sister in-law Rachel Besonen of Ewen, MI and Sue Lelvis of Irvine, CA, brother in-law Harry Juntila of Port Orchard, WA, special cousin Pat Lelvis, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Elmer in December 2017, brothers Fred and Gerry Lelvis, brother in-laws Percy Olmsted, Robert Besonen and Sulo Juntila, sister in-laws Irja Olmsted and Barbara Juntila.

Shirley’s family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until noon on Friday October 11, 2019 at the Faith Lutheran Church, Co. Rd. 581 Ishpeming. Funeral services will follow at noon on Friday at the Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Stacy Pethke to officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Pallbearers will be Shirley’s grandchildren and nephews. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Faith Lutheran Church, 180 Co. Rd. PPO, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Other expressions of sympathy can be directed to Kathy Richards, 790 Olmsted Lane, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Roman Politi, who treated her Parkinson’s disease for over ten years and the staff at Marquette Co Medical Care Facility who became her extended family, especially Tami Mallett. Shirley lived a fuller life under their care.

Shirley’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.