Obituary: Gayle Helen Isaacson

As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:

Gayle Helen Isaacson (Auntie Gayle to many, and more recently, Grandma Gayle, too) age 60 of Pelkie, MI, passed away unexpectedly the morning of June 23rd, 2021 at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, MI, while visiting her sister with her granddaughter. 

Gayle was born on June 19, 1961 in L’Anse, MI, the youngest daughter of James and Martha (Ollila) Grant. She grew up in Baraga with her four siblings, graduating from Baraga High School in 1979 with wonderful classmates that are still close today. In 1977 she met her eventual husband and love of her life, Douglas Isaacson, and the two were wed on July 7, 1984 in Baraga. Gayle always held a strong faith in Jesus and lived for her family and friends. For nearly three decades she worked at the Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility, rising to be a Records Dept. Supervisor, and only recently retired. 

Gayle’s love for her family, friends, and community defined her. She lived to serve others and was beloved by all those she encountered. For many years she served as President of Baraga’s Lumber Jack Days committee helping to bring celebration to the community and uphold tradition, as well as helping to organize numerous ‘Friends Helping Friends’ fundraising benefits for neighbors suffering hard times. When she wasn’t helping others, Gayle enjoyed camping with her favorite people and making her home and garden beautiful. She loved to paint and craft, and of course her little doggies, but mostly she loved to help raise her grandchildren. Gayle always brought comfort and joy to the people around her and will forever live on in the hearts and minds of the innumerable souls she touched with her generous love.

She is survived by her husband Doug of Pelkie; her two sons Douglas James Isaacson and Jacob (Jess Walitalo) Isaacson of Pelkie; three grandchildren Jayla, Jacob, and Baby Boy!; her brother Steven Grant of Elo and her sister Jean Haydon of Marshall; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; countless friends and loved ones.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 2nd from 11-2 p.m. at Jacobson Funeral Home. Her funeral service will be at 2 p.m. with Pastor Dave Hoskins officiating. Burial will be in the Elo Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Otter Lake Sportsman Club in Tapiola.

Friends may sign Gayle’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com