As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Juliana Helen Marttila, née Lahnala, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Portage Pointe in Hancock, Michigan.
Juliana, affectionately known as “Jewels,” was beloved by many. Juliana was born on July 31, 1931, to William and Esther Lahnala on the family farm in Liminga, Michigan. She attended Liminga and Redridge schools and graduated from Houghton High School in 1948. She then worked for the president of Houghton National Bank while her fiancée, Raymond Wilbert Marttila, was in the service. On September 3, 1955, Juliana and Ray, who met in grade school, were united in marriage, which lasted for 67 years until his passing in 2023.
Juliana and Ray went on to create a life centered on family, work, and church, living in the Midwest and eventually settling in Goshen, Indiana. Along the way, Juliana raised her six children. Mom left us with much sage advice, memories of our matching holiday outfits that she had sewn, and a competitive love of Scrabble. She fostered her children’s love of music by insisting each one take piano lessons starting at a young age. Mom enjoyed cooking, and her parties with her homemade food were always anxiously anticipated. She left us with many cherished recipes, including her homemade tarts, Danish rolls, pasties, and “milk can dinners.” Mom also loved berry picking, ice skating, and sewing, including making theater costumes for her children’s performances. She never missed a performance, sporting event, or concert, and with six children, there were many activities to attend. Juliana also enjoyed crafting, crocheting, and needlepointing. She made lovely Chrismons in the Lutheran tradition for our Christmas tree.
Juliana was very active in both the church and PTA. The family traveled extensively in the US. Juliana was undaunted when faced with the task of packing six kids into the station wagon and traveling every summer to the family farm in Liminga or across the country. Ray and Juliana also traveled worldwide, including to Mexico, Asia, Europe, and multiple trips to visit relatives in Finland. After her youngest child started school, Juliana returned to work in the banking industry at the Federal Land Bank in Goshen. At the same time, she earned her college degree from Indiana University South Bend. After retiring, Juliana and Ray returned to Liminga, where she was a member of the Stanton Township seniors and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. “Jewels” was happiest when she was with her family, both immediate and extended.
She is survived by her children, Joanne (Jerome) Pierson, Carol (Frank) D’Alberto, Jane Gremaux, Mary (Jim) Lill, Sarah DeCleene, and John Marttila; grandchildren, Joseph DeCleene, Hannah DeCleene Do, John DeCleene, Kenneth Gremaux, Raymond Gremaux, and William Gremaux;
great-grandsons Jonah and Micah Do; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Juliana was preceded in death by her beloved husband Raymond, her parents, her six siblings, and her son-in-law James Joseph DeCleene.
A memorial service will be scheduled in the spring. To view this obituary or to send condolences online to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Portage Pointe, especially Pewabic House, where Juliana was a long-time resident.
Memorial donations may be made to Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Hancock, MI
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