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Eva Palo Jurva, 91, passed away on April 28, 2018 at UP Health System-Portage. She was the matriarch of a local family of Finnish descent.She was born to Erick and Helmi (Nikkinen) Palo on June 1, 1926 at her family home in Princess Point.
As part of a large family, she eagerly completed many chores on her parents’ farm during the Great Depression. Following her graduation from high school, she moved to Chicago where she served as an executive assistant to doctors and a business executive.
She was united in marriage to Weldon Jurva in Detroit. Mr. Jurva was a decorated World War II staff sergeant and worked for General Motors in Detroit.
After Mr. Jurva’s retirement from GM the couple moved to Princess Point where they continued to raise their family. Her children became business executives as well as joining the medical and legal professions.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, making many trips to see them in Corvallis, Oregon; Naples, Florida; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinois. She was especially proud of how well her grandchildren performed in secondary and college institutions.
Gardening and baking were two of her passions. Friends and family will always remember her delicious strawberry and raspberry pies and her tasty nisu.
She was an extraordinary force in her family demanding excellence in pursuing lifetime goals. She had a keen interest in the medical field and was delighted when her youngest son became a cardiologist.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters.
Surviving are her daughter, Sheryl (Robert) Wall of Kenilworth, Illinois; sons, Frantz (Heidi) Jurva of Corvallis, Oregon; Jon (Leanne) Jurva of Chicago, Illinois; Jason Jurva of Steamboat Springs Colorado; grandchildren, Olivia, Chloe, Greta, Ingrid, Anders, Annikki, Wesley, Augie and Axel and numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Weldon. A funeral will take place at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Calumet on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 3:00 pm with Pastor David Taivalkoski officiating. The family will hold visitation one hour prior to the service.
Burial will follow at the Lake View Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility, and Janice Happ for the care they gave to Eva.
The family would appreciate any online condolences at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
