Julia Dorothea Liubakka

Julia was born in Marquette on August 19, 1942 at St. Luke’s Hospital, the daughter of Herbert and Vieno (Lampi) Maves, and was raised in Marquette. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Garden. From the age of five through nineteen, Julia developed a lifelong love of dance, studying and teaching tap, ballet, and toe. She always looked forward to the glitter of new costumes, dance solos and performing in many recitals. She graduated from John D. Pierce High School in 1960, attended Northern Michigan University for two years, and then worked as a private secretary at U.P. Office Supply.

Julia met the love of her life, Kenneth Liubakka, in 1960 and the couple was united in marriage on June 15, 1963, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Marquette. Together they built a loving home and raised their family in Harvey. They shared 47 devoted years of marriage until Kenneth’s passing.

Julia was a faithful and devoted member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She dedicated many years teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was actively involved with the Women of Calvary, holding various offices. She lovingly cared for the altar, tending to the communion ware, candles, and linens with reverence and devotion.

She also cherished summers spent at the family camp on Lake Superior, where she enjoyed sitting on the bridge with a cup of coffee, watching the turtles in the bayou, and taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Julia’s greatest joy was her family. She loved family gatherings and treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was caring and devoted, took pride in her home, and embraced her role as a homemaker. Her grandchildren were the treasures of her heart.

She is survived by her two much-loved children, Michael (Beth Hanlon) Liubakka of White Lake, Michigan, and Lisa Pohlman of Marquette; her inseperable sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Richard Reedy; her cherished grandchildren, Kelcie, Jessica (Bryton), Erik, Jacob, Emily, Senia, and Alex; and her precious great-grandchildren, Ryder, Miles, Dean, Wade, Annabeth, Ellyana, and Emmarie. She is also survived by her special cousins, Henry “Chiko” (Sue) Powers, Dennis (Carolyn) Wilbee, her brother-in-law, Art Liubakka; numerous nieces and nephews, and former daughter-in-law, Margaret Liubakka.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Kenneth Liubakka; her great-granddaughter, Emmariah; her aunts, Julia (Jack) Powers and Violet (Vincent) Wilbee; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Ray (Viola) Liubakka, Violette (Eugene) Koski, Donald (Carol) Liubakka, and Pat Liubakka.

Julia’s family finds comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her Savior and her beloved husband.

Visitation will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Marquette on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Paul Agenten. A reception will be held in the church fellowship hall following the funeral service. Burial will take place in the spring at Haglund Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 450 West Ohio Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

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