Humboldt Twp.- Marvin Wayne Ruspakka, age 81, lifelong Humboldt resident, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at UP Health System Marquette while in the loving care of his family and hospital staff.

Marvin was born on December 5, 1941, in Detroit, MI, the son of the late Waino and Selma Gertrude (Kulju) Ruspakka. Marvin's friends are always surprised by his birthplace, as he was a true 100% Finnish Yooper. His family had moved from the Kulju family farm ("Kuljunperä") to Detroit for four years for employment during WWII, in a temporary move that established his love for the Detroit Tigers, who he enjoyed cheering for and meeting during his lifetime. His family happily returned to the UP when Marvin was four years old.

Following their return, Marvin grew up on the family farm in Humboldt. He attended Champion High School, graduating with the class of 1959, and was chosen to attend Wolverine Boys' State at Michigan State University due to his outstanding character and leadership abilities. Following high school graduation, he attended Northern Michigan University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and was a member of the swim team. He worked as a teacher in the NICE school district for 30 years, during which time he also received a Master's degree from NMU.

Marvin was a tremendous athlete, and was selected to try out for the major league in baseball. He was also a collegiate swimmer, star basketball player and track athlete. He coached several sports and cheered his three children and six grandchildren on locally and around the country as they participated in their own activities. He never missed a game, meet or event of theirs.

Marvin was a talented musician and taught his children and grandchildren a variety of instruments. He sang regularly at church, in nursing homes and at community events, and often brought his polkacello to cheer everyone up. Listening to his grandchildren sing brought him the most joy.

His ingenuity set him apart. Marvin built a dunebuggy, a tractor and a snowmobile--some of which are on display at Da Yooper's Tourist Trap. He was a master fixer-upper and insisted on learning any skill he needed to fix up his house, cars and gadgets. He had a regular saying: "I can fix anything but a broken heart."

Marvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, running his sawmill, taking saunas, tending to his apple orchard, and making apple cider and maple syrup with his grandkids. He and Audrey could be regularly seen on his golf cart, wheeling around the property to check on his apple trees. He taught his grandchildren and the community how to graft trees, and had even made plans to try out new grafting techniques for this summer. He would make dozens of apple pies and gallons of apple cider and maple syrup each year to give to family and friends.

He was an active member of the community, serving as Humboldt Township Supervisor and volunteer firefighter and first responder. He also served on the NICE School Board and church board, and organized community activities and efforts with the Ishpeming Pioneer Kiwanis. He regularly visited hospitals and nursing homes, offering his music and conversation to patients and residents. He was known for his generosity in time, talents and finances.

Marvin had the "gift of gab" and was one of the friendliest people in the world. He'd often be in stores for hours, chatting with everyone he knew--especially his former students. He wanted to know what was going on in everyone's lives, and even made good friends with the doctors and nurses on his hospital stays.

Marvin is survived by his wife of almost 61 years- Audrey (Mackey) Ruspakka, who he married on April 21, 1962. Audrey was the love of Marvin's life, and they loved spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Marvin is also survived by two children- Steven (Traci) Ruspakka and Shelly (Peter) Remien, who were by his side as he made his way to Heaven. He is deeply missed by his six grandchildren- Isak, Anika, Irina and Mira Ruspakka, and Viren and Aila Remien, who cherished every moment with him.

He was greeted in Heaven by his daughter- Susan Fraser, and gave a big thumbs-up when we told him to say hello to her from us. He's also visiting with his parents- Waino and Gertrude Ruspakka, his sister- Gail Scott, and his two brothers- James and Gary Ruspakka.

Marvin ' s family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which he was a member. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., with Rev. Steve Jensen officiating. A potluck luncheon will follow the service in the church hall. Interment will take place at the Humboldt Twp. Cemetery.

The Champion Township Fire Department will serve as Honor Guard and Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ishpeming Pioneer Kiwanis.

The Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home is assisting the family. Marvin ' s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.