March 24, 2015 Laurium

Gail Jukuri, 65, a resident of Laurium passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Traprock Valley after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday March 24, 2015.

She was born on March 31, 1949 in Laurium a daughter of the late Rudolph and Lyla (Seppala) Kela.

She was a graduate of Calumet High School with the class of 1967.

On September 7, 1968 she was married to her high school sweetheart James M. Jukuri. They celebrated 42 years of marriage until she lost the love of her life Jim on May 21, 2010.

Gail was a partner with her husband Jim in his various business ventures; always providing support and wise guidance. However, she felt her greatest accomplishment was providing a safe and loving home for their four girls. The Jukuri home was always open to her daughters' friends, and she loved them all as her own.

In their retirement years, Gail enjoyed golfing, going for rides, gardening and wintering in Florida. She especially loved their cottage on Lake Superior, where she could spend time watching her grandchildren swim and play. Friends were always welcome to drop by for a cup of coffee on the deck while enjoying a beautiful Lake Superior sunset. Gail had a soft spot for animals, and she loved spoiling her two Bichons, Peanut and Buttercup. She also had a great sense of humor and was a joy to be around.

Gail thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and loved being a part of their lives; she loved them "all the heart" . Her four daughters were the joy of her life; they were with her and cared for her through her final days until her last breath.

Gail was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Dollar Bay.

Preceding her in death was her husband Jim, Brother Gary, Brother in law Lawrence Jukuri, sister in law Ruth Jukuri, and Step-father Paul Herstrom.

She is survived by her four daughters:
Jennifer (Luke) Stout of Dollar Bay
Stephanie (Derek) Gardner of Indiana
Nicole (Sean) Follen of Oostburg, Wisconsin
Melissa (Joel) Keranen of Traprcok Valley

16 Grandchildren: Cole, Emma and Cooper Stout
Alli, Bailey, Taylor and Landon Gardner
Isaac, Abigail, Eli and Andrew Follen
Lily, Maija, James, Emil and Lucy Keranen

Brother: Paul Herstrom of Calumet
Sister: Debra (LeRoy) Villagomez of New Mexico

Aunts: Melba Marx and Arlene Seppala
Uncle: Stewart Seppala

Brothers in law: Gordon (Marilyn) Jukuri, John Jukuri and David (Barbara) Jukuri

Sister in law: Theresa Jukuri

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Monday March 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM in Bethany Baptist Church in Dollar Bay with Pastor Brian Knight to officiate.

Visitation will be held on Sunday at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet from 4-8 PM and one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Monday.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.

Burial will be in the Waasa Cemetery.