Esther J. Juntunen

She was born on Aug. 2, 1933, in Hancock, a daughter of the late Arvo and Lydia (Moilanen) Pesola. Esther was raised in Elo and attended the Doelle School until having to stay home to help care for her mother. She was proud to have gone back and receive her GED in 1987.

On Jan. 27, 1951, she was untied in marriage to Gilbert Juntunen. The couple resided in Tapiola as they raised their family. On Feb. 9, 2016, Gilbert preceded Esther in death.

Mrs. Juntunen was a very faithful active member of the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church. She enjoyed swimming, camping and spending time with her family playing various games.

Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents and two grandchildren; Jimmy Juntunen and Laysen Juntunen along with 13 brothers and sisters.

Surviving are: her children, Kim Juntunen of Laurium, Guy (Betty) Juntunen of Webberville, Michigan, Jan (Sheri) Juntunen of Homosassa, Florida, Len (Melody) Juntunen of Tapiola, Lea Aho of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service for Esther will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church of Tapiola with Pastor Charles Korhonen to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Elo Cemetery.

Friends may call on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, from 12 p.m. until time of services at the church.

Esther’s family would like to thank you the staff at Our Lady Of Mercy for the care given to her during her stay, along with the Meals on Wheels program and Little Brother’s Friends of the Elderly for their help while she was at home and Donna Ruohonen for her friendship and visits to Esther.

To view Esther’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.