Esther A. (Anttila) Johnson

Esther was born December 8, 1932, in Ontonagon, Michigan, daughter of Isaac and Aili (Kangas) Anttila. She was raised in Mass City on a farm with grandparents Henry and Margaret Anttila. She also spent time during her childhood with several aunts. She graduated from Mass High School in 1951 and from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. Her first jobs as a teacher were at the former Froebel School, followed by a year at Whitman School.

On October 20, 1956, Esther married Bernard (Bernie) Johnson in Ishpeming. They made their home and raised their family in Marquette and Harvey. After their children were all in school, Esther returned to teaching at Fisher Elementary School. She obtained a Masterás Degree in Education in 1972 and completed postgraduate courses at Northern Michigan University and Michigan State University for her school administrator certification. In 1976 she became the principal at Fisher, followed by four years as Whitman Elementary School principal. In 1993 she returned to Fisher to direct the closing of the building and the opening of Superior Hills Elementary School. She then served as Assistant Superintendent for Marquette Area Public Schools until retiring in 1996.

Faith was important to Esther, and she was a member of the Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church. She enjoyed teaching at confirmation camps and language camps, as well as participating in church activities. She and Bernie enjoyed summer trips to attend special services in other states, Canada, and Finland. She was thankful for the many blessings throughout her life.

In her retirement years, Esther enjoyed the art of quilting and made many quilts, often referring to this hobby as her “mental therapy.” She was a member of the Marquette County Quilters Association. She also volunteered to work with students at Superior Hills Elementary School. She loved having more time to spend with her grandsons and to host family and friends for meals and visiting.

Esther is survived by four sons and one daughter: Walter, Kenneth (Jennifer), Ronald, Kathleen (Michael) Simonson, and Daniel; grandsons Kennan, Erik, and Alex; sisters Beatrice Bekkala and Vivian (Lloyd) Huotari; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband Bernie, brothers Peter Anttila and Richard Anttila; twin sister Anna Anttila, sister Mary Ellen Tarvainen, brothers-in-law James Pelkola and Paul Bekkala, and sister-in-law, Sue Anttila.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and special friends Karen, Nancy, Teresa and Margie for the kind and caring help they provided Esther during the past several years.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Laestadian Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm with Pastor Jim Frantti officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be made in the Northland Chapel Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to UPAWS, 815 M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841.

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