Effie E. Jussila

Effie was born in Barton, New York on June 24th, 1938 to Reverend Frank & Effie Pelkonen. As a young child, Effie’s family moved often with her father’s commission to create new Lutheran churches. Her family lived briefly in Marquette and helped to lay the foundations for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. At this time, each family member played a different role in launching neighborhood ministries. Effie was responsible for playing the organ and singing during the services. She had a beautiful voice which often had people turning heads to see who was singing. This service at a young age laid the foundations for Effie’s philanthropy throughout her life.

Effie showed her spunk and SISU at an early age by following her brother to school and signing herself up for kindergarten at the age of four. She attended schools in New York, Minnesota, Michigan and Florida. Effie graduate from Lake Worth High School, in Florida, in 1955. She then attended Newberry Lutheran College (Newberry, South Carolina), graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Effie was a member of Gamma Sigma Honorary Fraternity and Editor of the “Newberian” yearbook. While in college she taught art classes and lead choir groups. She also served as an education director at Bible camps in New York and New Hampshire during the summers.

Effie began her teaching career in Bethlehem, New Hampshire as a remedial reading teacher and then eventually moved back to Marquette in 1961. Her dream was to be a wife and mom. Effie fell in love with Wayne Jussila, widow, after meeting him at his son’s parent-teacher conference. Effie married Wayne in 1967 and became mother to Karen, Michael, and Mary Jussila. The family was blessed with the addition of daughter Kristen the following year and Effie immersed herself in the raising of four children and continuing to teach. These were not easy years for Effie, raising teenage kids and a new baby. Effie and Wayne did their best to create a home that was filled with love and fond memories. The family often found themselves going to camp, and taking “Saturday Saunas”. As the kids moved out of the house, the family would travel often to visit the older kids and their families. Effie loved to cook and her meals became the foundation of family time.

While nurturing the family Effie also served at superintendent and teacher of Sunday Schools, and summer Bible schools for Messiah Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Messiah Altar Guild, priding herself in the art and banners for the church.

Effie retired from teaching in 1987, from Whitman Elementary School after teaching several different grades and remedial reading. This was an early retirement for Effie as she wanted to spend more time with Wayne, who was already retired. This gave her time to help raise grand kids. Spending time with her grandchildren and helping them in any way possible was always a priority to Effie.

An avid reader, she loved her book collection. Another past-time Effie enjoyed was meeting with her school teacher coffee group weekly at Big Boy. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, and a former president of Business & Professional Women’s Club of Marquette. She was also a Daughters of the Nile (Shriner) member and she maintained her membership as a widow to the Retired Michigan State Police Officer’s Association.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Joe) Rhodes, of Marquette; Michael (Jan) Jussila, of Grand Ledge, MI; Mary Jussila, of Lansing, MI; & Kristen Smith of Marquette. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Russell (Tuddow) Nebelung, Danielle Nebelung, Donnie Nebelung, Evan (Frankie) Jussila, Emily (Zach) Monroe, Kyle (Cassie) Smith, and Claire Smith. Also, sister-in-law, Nancy Pelkonen.

Effie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne; brother, Reverend Peter Pelkonen; a grandson, Ryan Wayne Smith; and granddaughter, Elena Williams.

Effie would want to express her gratitude to Kathy Baxter and Ryan Hanson for their love and support as well.

According to Effie’s wishes, there will not be a service or visitation at this time. The family will celebrate her life in a private celebration. Burial will be at Park Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please send your gift to the family at 1831 S. McClellan in Marquette. Those memorials will be disbursed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, Messiah Lutheran Church, and UPAWS -Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving Effie’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com