Marilyn J Viitala

Marilyn Jean Viitala, 78, of Iron River, MI, passed away Monday, September 15, 2014 at Northstar Health System, Iron River. She was born April 21, 1936 in Crystal Falls, MI, the daughter of the late Hugo and Mary (Guyon) Groop. She attended the Crystal Falls schools, graduating from Crystal Falls High School with the Class of 1954. Marilyn married Ray John “Johnny” Viitala on September 17, 1955 in Crystal Falls, MI, and worked closely with her husband in Viitala Auto Service. The couple celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2005. Johnny preceded her in death on December 12, 2006. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, collecting antiques, and spending time at their cottage at Silver Lake. She especially enjoyed caring for her grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Nancy) Viitala of Caspian, MI; daughter, Shelley (Duane) Ridolphi of Virginia; brother, Robert (Lois) Groop of Crystal Falls, MI; five grandchildren, Bryan (Andrea Rindt) Viitala, Thomas (Kylee Goodman) Viitala, Stephanie (Craig Dacheff) Viitala and Shaun (Shanna) Ridolphi and Ryan Ridolphi; and one great granddaughter, Sophie Dacheff. Visitation will be held Friday, September 19, 2014 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, with Pastor Dawn Treado Green to officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marilyn J Viitala, please visit our flower store.