Marian Louise Kulju
Marian Kulju
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – June 28, 1959 – February 14, 2023 – Surrounded by family love, our beloved Marian broke her Earthly bonds to be embraced by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 14th, 2023. She was diligent in a six-year struggle with AL Amyloidosis, only to be overtaken by a brief struggle with metastatic melanoma. She can finally rest.
She was born in Ishpeming, Michigan to Douglas and Dorothy (Morrissette) Brown on June 28, 1959. She was married to her high school sweetheart and love of her life Ron Kulju for over 45 years.
They moved to Albuquerque in 1980, where she lovingly raised two children while maintaining a career in mortgage and finance businesses.
She was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws, Hugo and Garice Kulju.
She is survived by her husband, children, Jason (Megan) Kulju of Lakeland, FL and Rachel (Ryan) Johnson of Cypress, TX and grandchildren, Kierstin (Jake Costales) Berg, JJ Kulju, Hayley Johnson, Riley Johnson, Makenna (Elijah) Laing and Mallory Kulju and great-grandson, Jaxen Costales. She is also survived by her sister, Alicen (Will) Phillips and brothers-in-law, Rennie (Ann) Kulju and Roger (Lauri) Kulju and many nieces and nephews.
Marian led a full life with her loving family. She faithfully worshipped, taught Sunday School and participated on the Church Council and committees at Messiah Lutheran Church. She enjoyed following her family’s athletic endeavors, camping and fishing with close friends in the Jemez Mountains, gardening and visits with her children and grandchildren. Since retirement in 2016, Marian and Ron have spent their summers at her family summer home in Michigamme, Michigan which she named “Tranquility Bay” and referred to it as her happy, healing place. She will certainly be missed by family and many close friends in New Mexico and Michigan.
An informal Celebration of Life will be held at River Rock Lanes 1011 North Rd, Ishpeming, MI 12:00-2:00 on June 20. Please share happy stories about Marian. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to ronkulju@centurylink.net, to assist with planning.
Memorials may be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund (11515 Lomas Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87112) or the Amyloidosis Foundation.