ISHPEMING – Joyce E. Haapala, age 91, longtime Ishpeming Twp. resident passed away on Wednesday October 4, 2017 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee where she had resided since July 31, 2015.

Joyce was born September 5, 1926 in Ishpeming. She was raised in Republic by her grandmother Mary Johnson. Joyce was a graduate of the Republic High School, Class of 1944. She married Leonard Haapala on December 1, 1945. Joyce had worked at Macmillan Publishers in Chicago following high school. While Leonard served during World War II, Joyce worked locally at the bowling alley, grocery store and as a waitress at a restaurant in the Republic area. They moved to Ishpeming Twp. in 1958 and had resided in the home Leonard had built.

Joyce was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church. She enjoyed baking and cooking with Pasties as a specialty. 3:00pm was set aside daily for coffee and sweets.

Survivors include her daughter Marilyn (Scott) Phare of Marquette, grandson Cory (Amy) Phare of Denver, CO, sister Debra Hutton of Marquette, special relatives and friends Margie Mattila (cousin), Sue (Tim) Strawsburg (niece) and Wendy Merchak along with several cousins in the Republic area. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard Haapala and brother Harry Bengtson.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday October 6, 2017 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home and from1:30-2:00pm on Saturday at the Bethel Lutheran Church where Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM with Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Eastwood Nursing Center Activities Fund 900 Maas St. Negaunee, MI 49866.

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