Ishpeming- Margaret S. (Rintamaki) Oja, age 83, longtime area resident passed away on Friday December 3, 2021, at her home while in the loving care of her family and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Margaret was born October 31, 1938, in Ishpeming to the late Eino E. and Aline A. (Honkala) Rintamaki. She graduated from National Mine High School, Class of 1956. Margaret married Jerry Oja on November 27, 1957. Their first married years were a flurry of activity as they moved around the country while Jerry worked for Boeing. They settled back in the U.P. where they raised their children.

Margaret and Jerry enjoyed an early retirement and wintered in Arizona for 27 years. In their retirement, they did everything together. Their main focus was always their children and grandchildren where they gave freely of their time and energy to help them in any way they could.  They spent 6 years as caretakers at Hasscib Lake Camp. Margaret was a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Ishpeming.

Margaret is survived by children- Daniel of Ishpeming, MI; Beth (Nathan) Simonson of Dunblane, Saskatchewan, Canada; Susan (Bruce) Johnson of Wolf Lake, Minnesota; Eric (Martha) of Buffalo, Minnesota; Amy McEleney of Williston, North Dakota; and Paul of Los Angeles, California; 43 grandchildren, 125 great grandchildren; brother Daniel (Marilyn) Rintamaki; sister, Kay (Robert) Wikman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry Oja; twin sister, Marlene Ylitalo; and great-grandson, Jerry William Stewart.

Margaret dedicated her life in selfless servitude of others and was a shining example of humility, loyalty and grace. Margaret led by example with her generous heart, her unconditional love and support of her family, and her simple faith in God.

Our dear mother, Margaret, has now received eternal life and Heavenly Christmas peace, and joined her husband of 63 years and our father, Jerry, in Heaven only 4 months after his departure. She and our memories of her will live in our hearts forever.

Private services for Margaret will be held.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to U.P. Home Health and Hospice at 510 Mather Ave Ishpeming, MI 49849.

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