Joel Wisuri

Our sweet Joel was born December 20, 2006, in Ishpeming, Michigan, the ninth child of Paul and Janet Wisuri. He was a 2025 graduate of Westwood High School and was scheduled to begin the electrical lineman program at Northern Michigan University later this month. As a precursor to the program, he had just completed the Commercial Driver’s License course at NMU. He loved dirt bikes, motorcycles, auto mechanics, and playing hockey, but most of all, he loved his family and friends. He had been working for Jalonen Construction.

Joel had an infectious smile and a fun-loving personality that endeared him to all who knew him. He was a member of the Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church, where he served as a song leader and was active in the youth group, all of whom were dear friends and escorts on the journey towards his heavenly home. Joel’s faith was very important to him, and he left a precious testimony that has given solace to those who mourn.

Joel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Melvin and Doris (Marjamaa) Wisuri, and Mary (Frantti) U’Ren.

He is survived by his loving parents, Paul and Janet of Ishpeming, and nine heartbroken siblings who loved him dearly: Erik of Duluth, MN; Emily of Ishpeming; Alex of American Fork, UT; Mary of Minneapolis, MN; Hanna of Ishpeming; Leah (Alex) Moll of Kalispell, MT; Nathan (Melanie) of Clearwater, MN; Owen and Garrett, of Ishpeming. He is further survived by six nieces and nephews who adored him: Adrian, Dominic, and Ava Rintamaki, Miles Wisuri, and Flora and Archer Wisuri; treasured great-auntie, Elaine Frantti, great-uncle and auntie James and Patricia Frantti, and special cousins: Mandy Frantti, Tricia (B.J.) Tervo, namesake Matthew (Olivia) Frantti (Henry and Calvin), and Mary (Travis) Johnson and their children.

He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and a host of brothers and sisters in faith.

Services for Joel will take place at the Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church on Thursday, August 21, with visitation from 10am – noon, and service beginning at noon. Burial will be in the Humboldt cemetery at 3pm. Joel’s maternal great-uncle, James Frantti, will officiate.

He will be carried to his final resting place by his five brothers, Erik, Alex, Nathan, Owen, and Garrett, and his nephew, Adrian Rintamaki.

Joel’s family greatly appreciates the outpouring of love and support from family and friends near and far, as well as the local community, and the efforts of those who tended to him following his tragic accident. The memories that have been shared by the many people, young and old, whose lives Joel touched have brought great comfort to us in our hour of sorrow.