Viola Marie “Vi” Liubakka

Born, November 11, 1937, in Negaunee, the fourth of ten children born to William and Nemia (Olgren) Langson, Vi was raised in Negaunee. She completed her education later in life by enrolling in night classes through the Adult Education Program, graduating from Marquette Senior High School in 1974.

On August 14, 1954, Viola was united in marriage to Raymond W. Liubakka, who had recently returned to the area following his honorable discharge from the military. The couple made their first home on the Liubakka farm in Skandia, in the residence Ray built. It was here they started their family, later moving to Marquette’s Trowbridge Park area when the children were young. Vi enrolled in the nurse aide program offered at St. Luke’s Hospital and was employed at both St. Luke’s Hospital and later Acocks Medical Care Facility as a nurse aide. However, the majority of her career was spent as a home health aide for Marquette County, retiring after many years of service. Although they resided in various locations, Ray and Vi’s hearts were always drawn to Negaunee where they purchased an old farmhouse in 1989 and made extensive renovations. They resided in the home located in the Buffalo Location for over 20 years before moving to Marquette’s Lost Creek Apartments. For seven years following Ray’s retirement, the couple traveled extensively with the church group MAPS, helping with building projects at churches and non-profit organizations. They were among the founding members of the Faith Assembly of God on M-28 (now Silver Creek Church) where Ray served on the Board of Deacons. Viola was a member of Silver Creek Church in Harvey.

Survivors include two daughters, Debra (Marvin) Korpi of Skandia and their children, Kristina (Eric) Mutersbaugh, J.P. (Jamie) Korpi, Zachary (Kelly) Korpi, Edward (Susan) Korpi, William Korpi, and Tiffany (Don) Anderson; Cheryl (Patrick) Nunn of Jasper, IN and their children, Kevin (Sara) Nunn, Justin (Angie) Nunn, Michelle (Jason) Montes, and Eric Nunn; a son, Raymond (Cheri) Liubakka of Harvey and their children, Alyssa (Derek) Anderson, Kimberly (Cameron) Bancroft, and Katelyn (Christopher) Sedenquist; 31 great-grandchildren; 1 great- great- granddaughter; her sisters, Corrine Hillis of Negaunee, Carol Joki of Ishpeming, and Lois Hill of Ontonagon; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Vi was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ray; a daughter, Gail Marie Liubakka in 1957; sisters, Eunice Hebert, Florence Houseman, Sally McNally, Arlene Thexon; and brothers, William and Fred Langson.

Private family services will be held. The service can be accessed on YouTube beginning at 10:50 am Saturday, January 23, by using the link https://youtu.be/ WifiF5f7RKg

Interment will be made in the Haglund Cemetery, Skandia, in the spring and will be announced.

Memorials are preferred to MAPS (Missions Abroad Placement Service) c/o Silver Creek Church, 219 Silver Creek Road, Marquette, MI 49855. Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com