Republic – Marion Wilma (Kulju) Isaacson, age 81 of 107 Pine St., Republic, died Sunday after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's in her home while surrounded by family and Sister Marge.


Marion was born December 4, 1926 in Ishpeming to Richard and Wilma (Koskela) Kulju. She was a 1944 graduate of the Champion High School, and was Valedictoian of her class. She married Clarence "Bum" Isaacson on July 26, 1947 and remained married to him until his death in 2004. They lived in Waukegan, IL for one year after their marriage, and then returned to Republic, where she had resided since. Marion worked for the Northland Beauty Supply in Marquette and also for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 14 years at the Republic Mine before retiring in 1982.

Marion was an avid booster of Robin's Nest Softball and the Republic-Michigamme High School Basketball teams, attending every home game for at least the last 25 years with her best friends Jean, Elaine, and Irja. Marion was a member of the Republic Apostolic Lutheran Church, where she had served as secretary and treasurer, the Republic Golden Age Club where she cooked for years, and was also a member of the Republic VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She also spent many hours making quilts for the needy at the Bethany Lutheran Church and volunteered at the Republic St. Vincent DePaul.

Marion was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-seven years, Clarence "Bum" Isaacson, her parents Richard and Wilma Kulju, brothers – Rudy, Raymond, Russell, Roger, and Robert, sisters – Mildred and Marjorie. She is survived by three sons – Richard (Rhonda) Isaacson of Topeka, KS, Rocky Isaacson of Republic and Robin (Kim) Isaacson of Republic, sisters – Mavina (John) Etelamaki of Champion, Marlene Kulju of Champion, and Marilyn Brancheau of Republic, one brother Roy (Bernice) Isaacson of Green Bay, WI, brother-in-law Thomas Prophet of Champion, sister-in-law Gloria (Leonard) Jakubiak of Naubinway, six grandchildren – Tina, Bradley, Ryan, Emily, Leslie and Jamie, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 4 until 6 pm on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the St. Augustine Church in Republic where funeral services will be held at 6:00pm with Herb Jarvi officiating. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.


Pallbearers will be Marion's nephews
Marion's family extends a special thanks to the U.P. Home Health and Hospice for the care she and her family received during her illness.