Ishpeming – Sandra J. Etelamaki, age 73, of 1670 Ellsworth St., Ishpeming passed away Tuesday January 31, 2017, at Teal Lake Assisted Living Community in Negaunee.  She was in the loving care of her family and UP Home Health and Hospice at the time of her death.

Sandra was born February 14, 1943 in Ishpeming the daughter of the late Swande and Hannah (Saisa) Erkkila.  Sandra grew up in Ishpeming and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1961. She married David Etelamaki on Aug 25, 1962 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.  Sandra worked as a secretary for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 20 years, at the local main offices in Ishpeming.

Sandra was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, where she had served with the WELCA serving at many funeral luncheons. Sandra enjoyed cooking and baking and entered many Mining Journal Cook-offs and had won in many categories. Sandy loved to organize family get-togethers and reunions. She always supported her children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities throughout the years, and always took special pride in her grandchildren's accomplishments.

Survivors include 4 children – sons – Scott (Lisa) Etelamaki of Negaunee, Craig (Jackie) Etelamaki of Ishpeming, Darren (Beth) Etelamaki of Lusby, MD and a daughter Rojean (Ted) Thomas of Green Bay, WI, sister Marilyn (Greg) Mahoski of Ishpeming, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws – Gloria (Marvin) Ranta of Lexington Park, MD, William Etelamaki of Ishpeming and Robert (Carol) Etelamaki of Coon Rapids, MN, 13 grandchildren – Brooke, Brittany, Addie, Eric, Katrina, Dylan, Kathryn, Danny, Kristina, Aaron, Nick,  Marie and Ella along with several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband David on Sept 11, 2016 and 3 sisters – Esther Seagren, Hazel Smithson and Dr. Paula Erkkila.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10am until 12noon on Saturday February 4, 2017 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.  Memorial services will follow at 12:00noon on Saturday February 4, 2017 with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.  Interment will take place at the Negaunee Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 333 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming, MI 49849

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

lThe funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .