Marquette, MI- Nancy Diane Bluse (nee Alatalo) of Marquette, MI passed away peacefully at Norlite Nursing Home while under the care of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice on November 3, 2021. She was 86 years old.

Nancy was born on May 5, 1935 to Jalmer and Aili Alatalo. Six weeks after childbirth, Nancy's mother passed away leaving her to be raised by her loving father, grandparents and her aunt. Nancy grew up in Republic, MI and later relocated to Saxon, WI, where she graduated from high school. After high school, Nancy began her working career, which included jobs with the Saxon Co-op and eventually The Cherne Co. While living and working in Saxon, Nancy met her would-be husband, Noel. Nancy and Noel married in 1956, and moved to Republic, MI in 1965 when Noel started working for Cleveland Cliffs Incorporated. After raising her children, Nancy pursued work outside of the home and was hired by the First National bank of Negaunee, Republic Branch.

Nancy was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic where she served on the Church Council as Treasurer. She was also a member of the Ethnic Days Committee.

Noel and Nancy raised their four children in Republic and took an active role in all their interests and activities. They were known for providing a welcoming home for family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. You could often find the driveway full for a Packer football Sunday, holiday party, or the occasional late-night snack after a night out. Nancy will be remembered for many of her gifts and talents one of which is her fantastic homemade pizza. In addition to her expertise in the kitchen, Nancy was also a talented seamstress, providing her children with some of the most fashionable outfits in the 70's and 80's.  To earn extra money for the family, she would make clothing and provide alteration services for people in her community. However, those closest to Nancy know that her greatest joy in life was spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In 2003, after the homestead got to be too much, Nancy and Noel moved to Snowberry Heights in Marquette.

Nancy is survived by her four children, Larry (Lori) Bluse of Ishpeming, Cindy Bluse Boyer (Mike McDonnell) of Marquette, Jim (Tanya) Bluse of San Ramon, CA, and Kevin Bluse of San Diego, CA.

Her grandchildren, Stacey (Shelley) Bluse of Negaunee, Danielle (Chris) Hagan of Plymouth, MI, and Tyler Bluse of San Ramon, CA. Great grandchildren, Chaz, Emilee and Jillian Bluse of Negaunee, Louis and Eloise Hagan, Plymouth, MI.

She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Byron and Georgianna Bluse, and sister-in-law Margaret Bluse, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Noel, her father Jalmer Alatalo, and mother Aili (Mattson) Alatalo; mother and father-in-law Georgianna and Charles Bluse, along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the tremendous staff of the Norlite Nursing Center for the compassionate care they provided to Nancy during her stay at the Center. They treated her like family. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice for also providing comfort and care to Nancy for the past year.

Memorial services for Nancy will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home, Ishpeming, MI, with Rev. Alex Ross to officiate. Visitation will be from 12:00 - 2 pm and a service to follow. A celebration of Nancy's life will follow the service at the River Rock Lanes, Ishpeming, MI.

Nancy's service will be livestreamed, available on Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home's Facebook page at the following link Nancy's Livestream.

Memorials may be considered to Norlite Nursing Center Activities Fund, Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice, or Bethany Lutheran Church, Republic, MI.

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