Diorite Loc., MI – Gerine Jaykka, age 90, longtime Diorite resident, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.

Gerine was born in Ishpeming on April 17, 1932, a daughter of the late Jennie (Kulju) and Sulo  Wepsala. She was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School and attended business school in Detroit. Gerine had worked as a secretary at the Diorite School, then for 20 years as a bookkeeper at the First National Bank of Negaunee (Range Bank) and lastly as Ely Township Treasurer for a period of ten years.

Gerine was one of the first members of the Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Twp. where she faithfully worshiped. While at Hope Free,  Gerine was actively involved with the Women's Ministry and sang in the church choir. She could be counted on being seen at any Ely Twp Community events.  She loved to bake and cook, but most of all she cherished following her children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's various activities and sporting events.  Gerine was a woman with unwavering faith, whose kindness and compassion was felt by anyone who knew her.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Keno Jaykka of Diorite Loc., son David (Nancy) Jaykka of West Ishpeming, two daughters, Diane (Guy) Murray and Carolyn (Jim) Trewnick both of Diorite Loc., grandchildren - Matthew Jaykka, Ryan (Danielle) Jaykka, Heidi Jaykka, Kristin Murray, Keri (Jason) Hytinen, Daniel (Katherine) Murray, Eric (Rebeca) Trewnick and Corey Trewnick.  great grandchildren - Landyn, Zakary and Lucy Jaykka, Lexi and Allison Gerine Hytinen, Myla Skauge, Lydia, Grace and (another baby on the way) Murray, Faith Trewnick. She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Harry Wing.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 12:00pm on Monday March 20, 2023, at the Hope Free Lutheran Church, 795 North Lake Dr., Ishpeming, MI.  Funeral services will follow at 12:00pm on Monday with the Rev. Steve Jensen to officiate.  A luncheon will be served in the church hall following the services.  Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. Gerine's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Gerine's funeral service will be livestreamed and may be found by clicking here .

The family would like to thank the Eastwood Nursing Center Staff for their kind and compassionate care of Mom.  You guys' rock.

Memorials may be directed to Hope Free Women's Ministry (WMF), 795 North Lake Dr., Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Gerine.

Gerine's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.