Harold Juntunen

Harold was born Oct. 2, 1933, and grew up on a farm in Nisula, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, during the difficult years of the Great Depression.

The son of Arthur and Armita (Lepisto) Juntunen, life asked much of Harold at an early age. When he was only 13 years old, he and his siblings lost their mother, and Harold learned early what it meant to “step up.” Each morning before school, he rose early to milk the cows and help with the daily work of the farm. Those years shaped him into the man his family would come to know so well: strong, determined, resourceful and tireless.

After graduating from Baraga High School, Harold worked hauling logs for his brother-in-law, Pete, before making his way to the Detroit area with hopes for a bright future and a family of his own. It was there that he met Joyce Kaiponen.

Harold and Joyce became constant companions and were married in 1953. They lived briefly in Highland Park before settling in Detroit. Harold poured himself into making that house a home, doing much of the work himself, including building the kitchen cabinets. It was the beginning of many chapters of hard work, family life, sacrifice and love.

Harold and Joyce were blessed with their children: Ken, Doug, Gary, LyJean, Dean and Kerry.

Harold worked hard throughout his life and became a skilled craftsman in the drywall trade, earning a reputation for excellent work in both commercial and residential projects. His work ethic was unmistakable, and he often took on additional jobs to provide for his family and help those he loved.

In 1964, Harold and Joyce moved their growing family to Livonia, where they created a home filled with activity, hospitality, and lasting memories. Harold was gifted with his hands and could build or repair almost anything. Through his example, his children learned responsibility, resourcefulness, and the value of hard work.

Harold took great pride in his home and family. Whether helping relatives find work, teaching others his trade, making repairs for his children, or offering support when it was needed, he gave generously and asked for little in return. He also loved returning to the Upper Peninsula, where he enjoyed visiting relatives, spending time at the house he owned there, and staying connected to his roots.

Even after retirement, Harold remained active and hardworking. His career in drywall and construction spanned more than 50 years. He also enjoyed bowling, including many years in a league at Country Lanes with Joyce, and continued bowling well into his 80s.
Harold could be tough at times, but those who knew him best also knew the size of his heart. He was loyal, generous, determined, and quick with a joke. Even as his health declined, he continued to make people smile. His perseverance, humor, craftsmanship, and deep devotion to family will remain a lasting example to all who knew and loved him.

Harold is survived by his children: Doug (Barbara Bodden), Gary (Kris), LyJean (Matt) Kulie, Dean (Beth) and Kerry; grandchildren: Derek, Ian, Lindsey, Matthew (Katelyn) and Jennifer; sisters-in-law: Jeanette Juntunen and Jane Juntunen; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Sadly, Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Joyce, and their son Kenneth. Also deceased are his siblings: Arnold, Lillian, Mae, Jean, Norman, Ray and Jimmy.

Harold’s family will receive guests on Monday, June 15, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. until the 12 p.m. memorial service at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, 23720 Farmington Road, Farmington, MI.

Interment will immediately follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia.