Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
Lillian (Lil) Marie Van Straten (Juntunen), age 94 of Baraga, MI passed away on Monday, June 6th, 2022 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
Lil was born December 27, 1927 in Nisula, MI daughter of Arthur and Armita (Lepisto) Juntunen. Lil graduated from Baraga High School in 1946. She married her high school sweetheart George Peter Van Straten on February 26, 1949 in Baraga.
Along with starting a family together they founded Van Straten Manufacturing which is now owned by the 3rd generation.
In 1980 Lil and Pete purchased the historic mill and deep water port previously owned by the Ford Motor Company in Pequaming, MI. with their ambitious vision and determination they restored the property and built a marina which they owned, operated, and shared with boaters and tourists over the past 41 years.
Lil made the world a better place with her huge heart, generosity and love for all.
Lil was immensely proud of her family. Her grandchildren cherish their memories of all of their good times with “Nana”. Whether it was playing the piano, baking, picking berries, their frequent sleepovers and of course shopping. She was admired for her exquisite sense of style.
Lil was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in L’anse, the Red Hats Society and the Aura Hospital Auxiliary. She was a generous donor to various organizations. Her family takes great comfort in knowing she is with our Lord.
Lil is proceeded in death by her parents, brothers, James, Norman, Arnold and Raymond Juntunen; sisters Mae Loman and Jean Clisch; sons Baby George and Michael Van Straten.
Surviving her are husband, Pete Van Straten of Baraga, loving husband of 73 years; brother Harold Juntunen of Livonia, MI; daughters, Mary (Bill) Mowry of Lake Forest, IL, Sue Van Straten of Chicago, IL; sons, Peter (Diane) Van Straten of Baraga, George (Jill) Van Straten of Chassell; daughter-in-law Donna Van Straten of Negaunee; grandchildren, Peter (Susanah) Landry, Darragh (Arthur) Blachno, Rachel (Colin) Schiewe, Hannah Mowry, Chris (Amber) Van Straten, Carmen (Tyler) Larson, Jenna Van Straten, Eric (Autumn) Van Straten, Josh (Caitlin) Van Straten, Taylor Swanson, Catherine Van Straten, Matt (Emily) Carstens, Laura Carstens, Ashley (Luke) Cody; great grandchildren, Christian, Colton, Jaycee, Georgia, Tessa, Rylan, Rosalie, Tanner, Breigh, Nari, Daewon, Charlotte, Phoebe, Auggie, Sam, Scarlet, Michael and Melanie; sisters-in-law Jen Juntunen of Farmington Hills, MI and Jane Juntunen of Greenland, MI.
Visitation will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus church in L’Anse on Tuesday, June 14th from 11-1:00 p.m. Her funeral mass will be at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Corey Litzner officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. The burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School in L’Anse. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Lillian’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
