Marie Christine (Koski) Ruotsala
ATLANTIC MINE — Marie Christine (Koski) Ruotsala, 82, of Atlantic Mine, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2021, at UP Health System – Marquette with family by her side.
She was born June 10, 1938, in Atlantic Mine, a daughter of the late Benhart and Viola (Kemppainen) Koski, and attended the Range town schools. She left school early to start her family and returned to school after raising her children, graduating in 1983.
Marie worked various jobs and opened the Fabric Corral until starting a job with the Community Action Agency as a social work technician, a job she truly loved. She retired after 24 years of service. After retiring, she served on the agency board for many years. She received an accommodation from Jennifer Granholm, then governor of Michigan, for her years of community service.
Marie was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Faith.
She enjoyed sewing and quilting. She always had a smile on her face and took the time to acknowledge all who crossed her path. She was loved by her family, her many friends and many that knew her. She was a ray of sunshine anytime you saw her.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Benhart and Viola Koski; her daughter, Barbara Ruotsala; and brothers, Keith, Kevin and Michael Koski.
She leaves behind her children, Paul, Peter and Steven Ruotsala, all of Atlantic Mine, and Karen Dorton of Phoenix, Arizona; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Carole (Clifford) Dahl of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the medical staff at UP Health System for their compassion and care, and to Linda Lampinen, Barbara Klemett, Susan Harry and the Community Action Agency for all the much needed support over the last few years. Thank You. Marie will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range. In keeping with COVID-19 protocol, masks and social distancing will be practiced. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Atlantic Mine Cemetery with Pastor Arvo Onermaa to officiate with a luncheon will follow. Memorials may be made to the Community Action Agency, 926 Dodge Street, Houghton, MI 49931, in Marie’s name. Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.