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UPDATE: A graveside service with family and friends will be held for Delores on Wednesday June 3, 2026 at 11:00am in Lake View Cemetery in Calumet, Michigan.
Delores Kotajarvi, age 71, a resident of Houghton, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 in Marquette, Michigan. She was born on June 3, 1954 in Laurium, Michigan to Anthony and Rose (nee Butala) Stimac – and a loving daughter to Robert Johnson, her second father.
She was a 1972 graduate of Calumet High School. She then moved to Milwaukee/Chicago to help take care of her brother Tony’s children.
She married twice, first to Karl Thurner on May 19, 1984 in Laurium, Michigan and second to Kenneth Kotajarvi in October of 2000. She was a loving “grandma” to Kenneth’s grandchildren and a devoted “mom” to her dogs Pepper and Sheba.
She was employed by Kmart for a number of years until the store closed.
She was a volunteer with the local Omega House and At Home Companions. As a cancer survivor herself, she wanted to help others going through the same trials and tribulations.
She was an avid baker; everyone was always happy to get one of her baking treats! She also loved to read and watch her mystery shows.
She is survived by her sister Rita (Albert) Erkkila of Calumet, MI, nephew Albert Erkkila, also from Calumet, daughter Karla (Jason) Abbott of Boerne, TX, stepchildren Darren (Melba) Kotajarvi and Mark Kotajarvi, as well as numerous nieces and cousins. She is also survived by a dear friend, Cheryl Plute.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Johnson, Anthony (Carolyn) Stimac, and James (Barbara) Stimac.
Per her wishes, she will be cremated and laid to rest in Lake View Cemetery in Calumet in the spring. Service details for her burial will be announced in the spring.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
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