Marie Consul Sarkela

Born on January 13, 1925, in Republic, Michigan, Marie was the daughter of John and Esther (Byttyla) Consul. She grew up in Republic, where she began her lifelong journey of learning and caring for others. She graduated from Republic High School in 1943.

Marie’s passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in nursing. After diligent study, she earned her certification as a registered nurse from the St. Lawrence School of Nursing in Lansing in 1946. Her first role in this vocation was at Miner’s Hospital (Now Bell Memorial) in Ishpeming, where she served as head nurse. It was the beginning of a long and fulfilling career dedicated to the health and well-being of her community.

On August 14, 1948, Marie married the love of her life, Wiljo A. Sarkela, a union that would span more than 62 years. Together, the couple first settled in Mass, Michigan, and later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Wiljo was a graduate student at the University of Minnesota and Marie was employed at the university hospital.

Later, the couple lived briefly in Crandon, Wisconsin, before moving back to Marquette where Marie served as a floor nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital for four years. Returning to Lansing, Marie was employed by St. Lawrence and Sparrow Hospitals. During the academic year of 1960, Marie worked at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Massachusetts while Wiljo pursued post graduate study at Harvard University. At the end of 1978, Marie and Wiljo returned to Marquette where Marie joined the nursing staff of Marquette General Hospital, where she remained until her well deserved retirement. Retirement did not slow Marie down as she generously volunteered as a nurse with what was to become UP Home Health and Hospice.

Marie and Wiljo enjoyed traveling to California with their son and in Europe with their daughters. Her leisure time was filled with the joys of cooking, picking blueberries, working puzzles, and immersing herself in books. Above all, Marie cherished the moments spent with her family and friends.

Survivors include her daughters, Sandra (Patrick Mazzeo) Sarkela of Pompano Beach, FL, and Margaret (John Curtis) Sarkela of New York, NY; her son, John Sarkela of Marquette; her grandchildren, Patrick (Katie) Hynes, Sarah (Ben Grant) Curtis, and John Viljo Curtis; and her great-grandchildren, Emerson Grant and Miles Grant; her sisters, Jacqueline (the late Rogers) Corcoran of Green Bay, WI, and Bette Jeanne (Roger) Bennett of Clayton, Illinois; and, 21 nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Wiljo, in 2011; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marcella (Al) Schrader, Florence (Norbert) Grant, Crystal (Alan) Gustafson, Barbara (Clarence) Laurila, and Beverly (Donald) Wittman.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Messiah Lutheran Church on Monday, August 12, beginning at 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Rev. Molly Hunter will officiate. A reception will follow in Magnuson Hall.

Interment will be made in the Sands Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, Peter White Public Library, Messiah Lutheran Church, or UP Home Health and Hospice.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.