Champion- Dean Robert Nurmela, age 41 died unexpectedly at UP Health System Marquette on Monday, February 9th.

Dean was born on March 21, 1973 to Mary Seppala and Robert Nurmela. He grew up in Three Lakes and graduated from Westwood High School in 1991. Following high school, Dean enlisted in the US Navy and served 4 years with an honorable discharge.

Dean married Sara Hillman in 2006 and they have 2 children, Chase and Heidi. He worked with Local 1329. Dean loved spending time with his family and was the epitome of a Yooper. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, snowmobiling and being on the lake.

He is survived by his wife, Sara, children, Chase & Heidi, mother, Mary Seppala, father, Robert Nurmela, in-laws Steve & Ruth Hillman, siblings Roberta Nurmela, Courtney (Erik) Johnson, Holly (Emmanuel) Villanueva, Jackson (Kelli) Wells, Angela Lewis, John (Sandy) Joyner, Marc (Lisa) Hillman, extended family, Olivia Nurmela, Dale Kozel, Godmother Karen (Jesse) Fosco, and several additional aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by Paulette Wells, grandparents, Ray & Carol Seppala, Roland & Helen Nurmela, Brother in laws, Bill Elleby & Doug Lewis, Uncle Daniel Nurmela and cousins Kari Massie & Myke Leaf.

A memorial service celebrating Dean's life will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, February 12th at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Rev. D. Michael Carriere officiating. Dean's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 4:00pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .