Marla K. Nachtsheim

DRUMMOND, Wis. - Marla K. Nachtsheim, age 82, of Drummond, passed away on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at her home. She was born on July 19, 1940, in Wakefield, Michigan, the daughter of John and Lempie (Maenpaa) Hariu.

Marla was a graduate of Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, Michigan, and of the University of Minnesota–Duluth. She had a very successful career as a social worker, primarily as a child protection worker. Protecting, giving to and serving families was an important part of her life. She also served as a foster parent. She absolutely loved her profession, serving as an advocate for families and children and placed many children in adoptive homes.

Marla loved and took pride in her children, as well as her husband's accomplishments as a teacher and coach. Marla took pride in her Finnish heritage and she had SISU. She lived in northern Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota, for most of her married life, following her husband, John, and his career as a well-known coach, making lifelong friends along the way.

Following her retirement, they moved to live permanently in Drummond in their little cabin on Cisco Lake. Her grandchildren brought much joy into her life and she was always ready to babysit. She had a fierce love for animals and her dogs and cats made her life complete. Marla was always active in her children's activities, serving as Cub Scout Leader and church school teacher. She was actively involved in social service organizations, such as her Red Hat group. She loved volunteering at the Drummond School and really missed those hugs. Marla loved to pick wild berries, take walks with her dogs, kayaking and golfing with John, bowling, as well as skiing when the kids were younger.

She, along with her sister, actively supported and coordinated high school class reunions in Ironwood, cherishing those lifelong friendships. John and Marla had an active and happy life, a simple life, ending by living on a beautiful lake.

She is survived by four children, Jana, Mark, Mike and Johnny (Kara); 11 grandchildren, Michael, Kelly, Jack, Chloe, Maddison, Max, Amelia, Olivia, Natalie, Isabelle and Violet; as well as two great-grandsons, Marlo and Madden. She is further survived by her sister, Jackie (Jim) Sathers; a sister-in-law, Nancy (Gary) Moore; and brother in-law, Jim (Marie) Nachtsheim; as well as cousins, Donna (Chuck) Thomas, Nada (Chuck) Bauer, Lyn (Rock) Tate and Andy (Barb) Haappanen and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; her beloved grandparents; three cousins, David and Jamie Hariu, and Lori Bauer; all of her aunts and uncles; as well as her in-laws, Vi and Ed Nachtsheim.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Jana Nachtsheim, 4223 Robinson St., Duluth, MN, 55804.

The Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn, Wisconsin, is handling the arrangements. To view this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences, visit us at bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com