Barbara Jean Korpi
ISHPEMING, MI – Barbara Jean Korpi, age 91, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Tuesday April 6, 2021, at Teal Lake Senior Living Community in Negaunee while in the loving care of family, staff at TLSLC and UP Home Health and Hospice. Well Done, thou Good and Faithful Servant.
Barbara was born in Flushing, MI, on October 8, 1929, a daughter of the late Albert and Beatrice (Thompson) Arehart. After graduating from high school, Barbara attended Hurley School of Nursing.
She worked as an RN at Williams Clinic and F.A. Bell Memorial Hospital, in Ishpeming.
On June 20, 1951, Barbara, married Matt Korpi Jr., after he shoveled her car out of a snowbank. Barb attended Bethel Lutheran Church, serving on many committees, and a member of Friends of the Library.
Together Barbara and Matt had 4 children: Linda (Mike) Legacy of Michigamme, David Korpi of Ishpeming, Kathrine (David) Savu of Marquette and Barbie Kratz of Ishpeming, 4 grandchildren: Warren Waters, Bradley Waters, Brett Kratz, and Becky Greiner, a sister: Phyllis Korpi of Marietta, GA, along with many nieces and nephews.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, and husband: Matt Korpi Jr.
Barbara enjoyed many years of family gatherings at their camp, was an avid reader and followed Matt on his many mining adventures.
A private graveside service will be held at the Ishpeming Cemetery with Rev. Lauri Maki officiating.
Memorials can be directed to: Bethel Lutheran Church (Boiler Fund) 333 E. Ridge St. Ishpeming, MI 49849, Ishpeming Senior Center (Building Fund) P.O. Box 548 Ishpeming, MI 49849, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library 317 N. Main St. Ishpeming, MI 49849, or Michigamme Library P.O. Box 220 Michigamme, MI 49861 in memory of Barbara Korpi.
Barbara’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.