Obituary: Marie Elena Salo

Marie Elena Salo went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 27, surrounded by her loved ones at her home.  She fought a courageous battle against breast cancer.

She was born in Ishpeming, MI to Wilho & Jennie (Heinonen) Salo.  She later moved to Eben Junction to the Salo Family Farm where she attended school. In 1959 she married Isadore “Blu” Misegan and moved downstate to Pontiac and the surrounding areas. She attended school in Pontiac and obtained her G.E.D. While working and raising her children. Marie held various manufacturing jobs, including Birmingham Plastics, Grand Steel and Pontiac General Motors. The family returned to the U.P. And eventually to L’Anse where Marie worked at Celotex, BCMH, KBIC Bingo and Keweenaw Bay Transit as a Secretary/Dispatcher.  Marie then pursued a college career attending NMU & later transferring to Finlandia University (former Suomi College). She graduated in 2000 Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Rural Human Services. She was also awarded Finlandia’s highest honor, the Sampo Award. Marie felt privileged to have meet Pavo Lipponen, Finland’s then Prime Minister. She went to work at the Baraga County Shelter home where she served as the Domestic Violence Counselor for 20 years. She also served on various task forces and boards pertaining to her employment.

Marie was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church serving as a past president and secretary to the church council and enjoyed singing in the church choir. She was a licensed foster parent.  She was the current president of the WELCA Ladies Group and current secretary of the Baraga County Triad. She was a grateful member of Al-Anon. She enjoyed going to coffee and her friendships with the L’Anse Red Hat Sisters. Marie loved to travel, having traveled abroad to Finland, England, Ireland and Scotland. She also enjoyed numerous trips state-side with the U.P. Traveling Group. Marie was known for her sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself. She cherished her good times with family and friends. Marie raised four children of whom she loved and was very proud of.  She also loved, thought of, cared and prayed for her grandchildren. Marie was a beautiful person inside and out.

She is survived by her children; Duane Misegan and his wife Jennifer, Mark Misegan, Lynn Haataja and her husband Randall, and John Misegan and his wife Sharon; her grandchildren; Heather and Travis Gauthier, Hannah Misegan, Jennie Haataja, Jake, Deena and Kristina Misegan, and step grandchildren Anthony and John Williams; great-grandchildren, Aleeha Moulden, Destin Gauthier, Alan, Liam and Anthony Swartz.  She was a wonderful mother and grandmother.  She was cherished by them and will be deeply missed.  She is also survived by her brother Donald Salo and Richard Salo and his wife Barbara and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, a grandson, Charlie Gauthier, a sister-in-law Phyllis Salo and Isadore “Blu” Misegan.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 2nd from 11-1 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Baraga.  Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Julie Belew and Rev. Steve Rhoades officiating.  A luncheon will follow the service in the KBIC Zeba Hall.  Interment will be in the Pinery and Chatham Cemeteries.  Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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