Joan M. Antilla

Joan was born in Gwinn, on April 27th, 1933, the daughter of the late Edwin and Linda (Lindquist) Morris. As a very young child they moved to Republic, her father was transferred as a Michigan game warden. She graduated from Republic High School, Class of ’51, soon after, she married her high school sweetheart Oscar and started their family, eventually having four children.

Joan loved her friends, neighbors, church, and community, but her passion was her family. She was active in her community serving as a former Cub Scout Den Mother in her early years, former member of Republic-Michigamme School Board and Republic Community Services. As a life long faithful member of Republic Bethany Lutheran Church, she sang in the choir for over 50 years starting as a teen, served on the church council, altar Guild, kitchen crew and with the quilting ladies.

In her spare time, she loved attending her grandchildren sporting events (all of which played sports), crocheting, knitting (winter mitts and socks were a specialty and all grandchildren were knitted baby sweaters), baking (specialty were her apple bars and Christmas tarts), and she loved reading. Most of all she was proud of being a mother and grandmother (loved being called GG by her great-grandchildren) and cherished the time spent with her family (holidays always at her home), friends (coffee pot on and bakery always) and was a person who would do anything to help those she knew and loved.

Joan was the last surviving member of the “LaLa’s”, three couples who had met while on a bus tour to Alaska and became quick friends, enjoying each other’s company on additional bus tours, dinners out at local eateries, and each other’s homes. The Wentelas, the Juntilas and the Antillas, the “LaLa’s”.

Survivors include her 4 children including 3 sons – David Antilla, Steve (Judy Venn) Antilla and Mark (Joanne) Antilla all of Republic, and a daughter Mary Jo Antilla of Ishpeming, 5 grandchildren – Leslie (Scott) LaCosse, Lindsey (Andrew) Mattson, Taylor (Jake) Spear, Stephanie Carello and Marissa Carello, great granddaughters – Rachel LaCosse, Adelyn and Amelia Mattson, great-grandsons – Hendrick and Griffin Spear, great-great-grandchildren – Emmalyn and Kruize, 4 sister-in-laws – Doris Plankey of South Lyon, Gloria (Robert) Erwin of Chandler, AZ, Lorraine (Robert) Zimmerman of Perry, and Laverne Antilla of Republic, along with several nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 61 years – Oscar R. Antilla, 2 brothers – Kenneth and Gerald Morris, special grandson – Marcus Antilla.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bethany Lutheran Church on Tuesday May 30th, 2023, from 11:00 am until Noon. Funeral Services will follow at Noon on Tuesday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Alex Ross to officiate. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Honorary pallbearers will be Joan’s grandchildren.

The Antilla family would like to thank UP Home Health and Hospice, for all their care and support, with special thank you to Leigh, Elyssa, and Cheryl.

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