Obituary: Joel Tuoriniemi

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

Joel Tuoriniemi, a resident of Fulton, passed away at the age of 50 on September 19, 2023, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. 

Joel was born on November 8, 1972 in Laurium, son to William and Bonnie (Laurie) Tuoriniemi. Joel graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1990. During this time he found his passion for golf and enjoyed playing hockey. Joel had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and one of his favorite hobbies was to learn about anything and everything through reading books, newspapers, and publications on many various topics. His love for learning followed him when he went on to attend Michigan Technological University with a degree in business and got his JD from Michigan State University (Detroit College of Law). 

On August 5, 1995 he was united in marriage to the former Julianne Oja, and they resided in Fulton with their family. 

Joel practiced law for Bob Anderson in Marquette, Wisti in Hancock and had his own practice in Calumet. His dedication for law never stopped, as he helped many people in the community even after formally transitioning out of his practice. In 2001 he went to work at Michigan Tech teaching taxation, accounting, and the legal environment of business. He also was currently the faculty athletic representative. At Michigan Tech he received the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the College of Business Teaching Award, and has also been inducted into the University’s Academy of Teaching Excellence. Joel loved teaching and cared dearly for all of his students. He would always say how lucky he was to wake up every morning and get to be so excited about his job. 

He served on numerous boards over the years, including the Calumet Hockey Association and Keweenaw County Road Commission. 

Living by his catchphrase “mean people suck”, Joel was an incredibly caring man who truly helped all of those around him in any way that he could. He loved to spend time at the 5 Mile Point camp, golfing, coaching and playing hockey, watching his kid’s hockey, deer hunting, and most recently he challenged himself by competing in triathlons. 

He is survived by his wife Julianne; sons Wyatt of San Diego and Hunter of Fulton; daughter Hanna of Ann Arbor; mother Bonnie (Dave Shannon) Tuoriniemi of Ahmeek Location; brother Jesse of Mohawk; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding him in death was his father William and his brother Jason.

An open memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 24th at 2:00 PM, with a gathering time of remembrance and refreshments following the service through the afternoon. The service will be located at the Hidden Pines Barn, located behind the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home. Dress attire is casual. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Calumet Youth Hockey Fund. 

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences can be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com