Joy J. Kraynak

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Joy J. (nee Jarvi) Kraynak, of Brogan Street, in Ironwood, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.

She was born on July 24, 1954, in Superior, Wisconsin, a daughter of Veikko and Pearl Jarvi.

Joy graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1972. She furthered her education at Gogebic Community College and then completed her bachelor's degree in nursing at Northern Michigan University.

As an active member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Joy was a lector and board member.

Joy's passion in health care led her to be a certified diabetes educator and nursing supervisor. She saved many lives by donating her rare blood type to the American Red Cross.

Joy is survived by her loving husband, Tom "Big T" Kraynak; and her loyal dog, Roscoe. Other surviving relatives include two sisters, Vicki Mussatti (Dave) and Gail Glatczak (Tom), both of Bessemer; a brother, Dale Jarvi, of Minnesota, her sisters-in-law, Bernice Grbavcich, Helen Vestich, Betty Barbarich and Mildred E. Potts; and her good friend, Joyce Starck. She and Joyce enjoyed time shopping, talking and taking short road trips together. Joy was also loved by her numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers-in-law, Marco Vestich, Paul Barbarich, August "Bozo" Grbavcich, Joe Kraynak and Richard Potts; and her sisters-in-law, Kathleen Mewbourn (Herbert), Ann Rondeau (Royal) and Mary Lou Kraynak-Bach (Richard).

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

Interment will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood, in the spring.

The family would like to thank Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, for his wonderful service in taking care of the arrangements.