Mabel Elsie Bohjanen

MARQUETTE, MI – Mabel Elsie Bohjanen, was born February 8, 1924, in Calumet. Her parents, Gustav and Lempi (Aittama) Junttila raised Mabel and her sisters (Eleanor, Mildred, and Margaret) and brothers (Reuben, Wilbert, George, and Carl). As a child, Mabel enjoyed the outdoors and loved to ice skate. She enjoyed spending time at their family cabin along Lake Superior in Big Traverse and going by train to visit her cousin’s farm in Chassell, MI. Mabel had a passion for learning throughout her life which she instilled in her children. She was an exemplary student and graduated from Calumet High School in 1942 and enrolled in the nursing program at Suomi College (Finlandia University). She later transferred to the University of Michigan. Mabel returned to Calumet and met the love of her life, Robert Bohjanen while ice skating and they married on October 19, 1944. In 1950, they moved to Marquette and established their home on Wilkinson Avenue where they would spend their 65-year marriage. Mabel’s home and family were her greatest joys and she delighted as her family grew through the years as they welcomed eight children, many grandchildren and many, many great- grandchildren. Mabel and Robert were devoted to their faith in God, each other, and to their family. Mabel believed that loving kindness began at home and extended into the community. Because of these values she actively participated in the PTA at John D. Pierce and Marquette Area Public Schools, volunteered for the Boy and Girl Scout organizations, and participated in many arts and music activities in the community. She served as a volunteer at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans and Marquette General Hospital for over fifty years. Mabel’s service to family and community surprised her with the “Mother of the Year”ù award in 1968. In addition to their home in Marquette, Mabel and Robert built a camp in Big Bay on Lake Independence known as Birchwood. Birchwood continues to be a special place for family gatherings, music, sauna and fun. Spending summers in Big Bay, Mabel encouraged her children to work at Bay Cliff Health Camp whose mission is to provide summer experiences for children with disabilities. This instilled in her children a lasting sense of purpose and service to others as evidenced in the lives and professions of her children and grandchildren. Mabel loved music, played the piano, and encouraged her children to play instruments. She loved to sing and was a charter member of the Marquette Choral Society for over 40 years. She also sang in the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church choir and the choir at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her love of music lives on in her grandchildren and family time often became spontaneous “open mic”ù sessions at Birchwood in Big Bay. Robert and Mabel lived an adventurous lifestyle together; ice skating, cross country skiing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing with family and friends. Mabel’s love of learning extended throughout her life as an avid reader, puzzle master, and traveler. She enjoyed many trips with Robert including over 30 elderhostels. Exploring the culture and landscapes of regions such as Alaska, Finland, South America, and Australia which fed their passion for greater understanding of God’s creation and formed many lasting friendships along the way. Every day presented new adventures for Mabel. Her warm smile, sparkle in her eyes, sense of humor, and energetic soul have touched so many hearts in so many ways. The timeline of events throughout Mabel’s life saw many challenges and changes, yet she believed in the power of Sisu and always chose happiness. The humble example of her life has been an inspiration to many.