Humboldt Twp,- Marlene D. Kulju, age 72 of Humboldt Twp, passed away Saturday February 14, 2015 at UP Health System Marquette while under the care of UP Home Health & Hospice.

Marlene was born September 3, 1942 in Humboldt to Richard & Wilma (Koskela) Kulju. She graduated from Champion High School, class of 1959 and was valedictorian of her class. Marlene attended Northern Michigan University. She worked for Cleveland Cliffs (Cliffs Natural Resources) for 34 years working in the Human Resource office as a personnel assistant, she retired in 1998.

Among the many joys in Marlene's life, the biggest was her family. She was exceptionally close to her sisters and, despite not having children of her own, she loved her nieces and nephews as her own. She also loved to take the littlest great nieces and nephews on her lap to hug and kiss them. Since the death of her mother Wilma, Marl became the matriarch of the Kulju family. Marlene was loved like a mother and a grandmother. She also enjoyed family gatherings. In particular, the Kulju Christmas dinner and and canning every fall with her sisters and other family. Marlene loved reading true crime books, telling jokes, and working crossword puzzles. From a young age, Marlene was an avid Detroit Tiger fan. She especially loved Al Kaline.

Marlene is survived by a brother Roy (Bernice) Kulju of Green Bay, WI, 2 sisters: Marilyn Brancheau of Republic and Mavina (John) Etelamaki of Humboldt, a sister in law Joan Kulju of Negaunee and a brother in law Tom Prophet of Humboldt, Nieces & Nephews: Christy (Tony) Marta, Jenna (Troy) Peters, Kirsten (Jorge) Gonzalez, Mark (Lori) Kulju, Doug (Tanya) Etelamaki, David (Christi) Etelamaki, Dan (Sarah) Etelamaki, Sarah (Kevin) Kennerly, Sabina (Kevin) Carlson, Cheryl (Allen) Paquette, Sandra (Dan) Stahl, Patricia (Bob) Campbell, Raymond Rosten, Carol (Bob) Truckey, David Kulju, Dean (Lori) Kulju, Diane (Pat) Abbott, Don (Vickie) Kulju, Jim (Jodi) Prophet, John (Tara) Prophet, Jeff (Dana) Prophet, Dr. Richard (Rhonda) Isaacson, Rocky Isaacson and Robin (Kim) Isaacson, along with many great nieces and great nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers: Rudy, Raymond, Russell, Roger, and Robert Kulju, 3 sisters: Marjorie Prophet, Marion Isaacson and Mildred Kulju, a nephew Richard Kulju and a great nephew Brody Etelamaki.

Funeral services for Marlene will be held at 5:00 PM on Tues February 17th at the Laestadian Lutheran Church 567 Washington St. Ishpeming with Dan Rintamaki officiating. Spring burial will take place in the Humboldt Twp Cemetery.

Marlene's family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday February 17th at the Laestadian Lutheran Church from 2:00 PM until the time of service at 5:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Marlene's nephews.

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