Ishpeming – Helen Marie Junak, age 77, longtime resident of 850 Co. Rd. 496 passed away on Sunday March 20, 2011 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where she had resided since July of 2009.


Helen was born April 6, 1933 in Ishpeming the daughter of the late John and Lempi (Kauppila) Hakala. Helen was a homemaker, who was kept busy with the raising of her 6 children. She did find time however to finish her high school education through the Ishpeming Adult Education program. Helen enjoyed reading, the challenge of crossword puzzles, and watching Nancy Grace on TV.


Survivors include her 6 children – Cheryl (Robert Christian) Austin-Christian of Ishpeming, Kathy Annala of Ishpeming, Karen Junak and her husband Edward Hernandez of Castle Rock, CO, Sandi (Bill) Phillips of Ishpeming, Bob (Annette) Junak of Ishpeming and Kenn (Shannon) Junak of Diorite Loc., a brother John (Marguerite) Hakala of Lake Ann, MI, grandchildren – Brad (Julie) Austin, Dustin (Emily) Austin, Jordan (Sarah) Austin, Jason (Mariann) Annala, Jonathan (Angela) Annala, Katie Hernandez, Amber (Josh) LaMere, Austin "AJ" Kennedy, Paige Junak, Brock Junak, Dylan Junak, Kylie Junak, Scott Phillips and Lyndsi Phillips, great grandchildren – Mariah, Madison, Marcus, and Kaylen, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert "Topsy" Junak in 1978, and a brother Paul Hakala.


A private family graveside inurnment service will be held at a later date at the Ishpeming Cemetery.


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