Jeanne (Ellen) Pelto

Jeanne was born on May 29, 1934, in Nisula, Michigan, to the late John and Selma (Leskela) Lindrus. She was raised on the Leskela family dairy farm with seven siblings; here she enjoyed a cherished childhood full of love, fun, and mischief. She graduated from Baraga High School in the class of 1952. Following high school, she worked at Superior National Bank in Hancock, MI. During these years, she lived with four close girlfriends, one of whom introduced Jeanne to her brother, Ron Pelto. Ron and Jeanne fell in love and married on September 1, 1956 in Nisula, MI. Their daughter Carrie, was born in Detroit, MI, where they lived for a short time, and their son, Andy, in Marquette, MI; here they raised their family and lived out their lives in a home they built together, until Ron’s passing in 2002.

For over 40 years, Jeanne worked at Northland Furniture and Appliance as the bookkeeper and office manager. She and Ron also owned a clothing store in Marquette, called the Denim Corral. Jeanne was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church and loved playing softball in the church league. She also served on the Marquette County Commission on Aging board and volunteered at the hospital gift shop. Mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters was another of her passions and she enjoyed having a positive influence in the lives of others.

Jeanne adored her grandchildren, Melissa and Ryan, and loved being their ‘Nana’. She and Ron played an integral role in raising and supporting the kids as they grew up. Many special memories were made together while enjoying time at the Pelto’s camp on Big Shag Lake and on family vacations, especially in Florida.

Jeanne is survived by her daughter Carrie Brandt; granddaughter Melissa Brandt; grandson Ryan Brandt; brother Rodney (Carol) Lindrus; sister-in-law Ruth (Leslie) Lindrus; brother-in-law Merv (Martha) Pelto; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ron Pelto; son Andy Pelto; sisters Vivian (Don) Grentz, Martha (Merv) Pelto, Evelyn (Bob) Turpeinen, Ruth (Chuck) Normand and brothers, Leslie (Ruth) Lindrus, Norman (Virgina) Lindrus; parents John and Selma Lindrus; as well as her beloved Maltese, Roxy. She deeply missed them in this life and is surely rejoicing in their Heavenly reunion.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church, Marquette, MI. A luncheon will follow at 1 p.m. at the Presque Isle Pavillion, Marquette, MI.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a memorial fund to assist with final expenses.

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