Joan Alice 'Joanie' Jurmu

L'ANSE, Mich. - Joan Alice "Joanie" Jurmu, age 59, of Baraga, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at her home in Baraga. She was born at Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield, on Dec. 11, 1964, the daughter of the late Bernard Gust and Alice Rose (Smith) Bretall.

Joanie graduated in 1983 from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer. She married Paul Jurmu in Hawaii on July 23, 1990. They celebrated their 33rd anniversary in 2023. Together they owned and operated JCS Inc. Joanie enjoyed feeding the deer and turkeys at her home in Baraga, and traveling out West. She loved skipping rocks, bonfires and walks along Lake Superior to see the sunset. She also loved the night sky and northern lights.

Joanie is survived by her loving husband, Paul of Baraga; daughter, Nicole Ossanna (Tyler Saari) of Ironwood; brothers, Barry (Jan) Bretall of Chesaning, David (JoAnne) Bretall of Marquette, Bernie Bretall of Mexico, and sister, Suzanne Bretall of Marquette; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dogs, Emmie and Rubie. Joanie was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Daniel Bretall; and sister, Christine Carli.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and loved ones.

Funeral services for Joanie will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 22, at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel in L'Anse, with Pastor Jerry Bishop officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Immediately following the funeral service, the family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the Harrington gathering room, located at the funeral home.

Condolences sent to the family at reidfuneralservicechapel.com.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel in L'Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.