As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Bernice Arlene Knuuttila (Juntunen), age 86, long term resident of Pelkie, Michigan went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 5, 2026.
Bernice graduated from Baraga High School in 1958. She married John Elmer Knuuttila in October of 1964 and they made their home on Sarya Road where they raised their family and lived for most of their married life.
Bernice is survived by John; children Deborah (Paul) Saaranen, James (Mary) Knuuttila, Patti (Bill) Yost, Linda (Tom) Schierkolk, and John (Heidi) Knuuttila. Grandchildren: Joshua Saaranen, Joel (Jamie) Saaranen, Laila Maki, Alissa Pitts, Laura (Cameron) Rose, Sara Yost, Elsa Yost, Lydia (Ekagra) Agarwal, Sam (Sarah) Schierkolk, Logan (AJ) Schierkolk, Silas Schierkolk, Audrey (Micah) Grove and nineteen great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her two brothers, Raymond and Richard (JoAnn) Juntunen.
She was preceded in death by her parents Walfred and Mabel Juntunen, parent-in-laws Jacob and Lydia Niemisto, sister in law Jean Juntunen, brother in law and sister in law Arvo and Rachel Keranen.
Bernice’s heart and love was in the raising of her family. Bernice enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, outdoor adventures with her family, quilting, sewing, and reading.
Her gift of caring for others was also demonstrated in her work as a nurses aide for home health care and a local nursing home.
Bernice and John were charter members of Grace Free Lutheran where Bernice served as a Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, WMF Ladies group member, and was known for sharing her delicious signature dish, pasty pie.
Bernice had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and we are assured that she is with Him now due to His saving grace.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
A funeral service for Bernice will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Pelkie with visitation beginning at 11:00AM and the funeral service at 12:00PM. Pastor Dave Hoskins will be presiding. A burial in the Spring will be held at Pelkie Cemetery. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Bernice’s guestbook at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
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