BARAGA, MI – 94 year old Lillian (Lil) Marie Van Straten (Juntunen) of Baraga, MI died Monday, June 6, 2022 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
Lil was born on December 27, 1927 in Nisula, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Armita (Lepisto) Juntunen. Lil graduated from Baraga High School in 1946. She married her high school sweetheart, George Peter Van Straten, on February 26, 1949, in Baraga.
In addition to starting a family together, they founded Van Straten Manufacturing, which is now owned by the 3rd generation.
In 1980, Lil and Pete purchased the historic mill and deep water harbor previously owned by the Ford Motor Company in Pequaming, MI. With their ambitious vision and determination, they restored the property and built a marina that they owned, operated and shared with boaters. and tourists over the past 41 years.
Lil made the world a better place with his huge heart, generosity and love for all.
Lil was immensely proud of her family. Her grandchildren cherish their memories of all their good times with “Nana”. Whether it’s playing the piano, cooking, picking berries, their frequent sleepovers and of course shopping. She was admired for her exquisite sense of style.
Lil was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in L’Anse, the Red Hats Society and the Aura Hospital Auxiliary. She has been a generous donor to various organizations. Her family is very comforted to know that they are with our Lord.
Lil is pursued in death by her parents, her brothers, James, Norman, Arnold and Raymond Juntunen; sisters, Mae Loman and Jean Clisch; sons, Baby George and Michael Van Straten.
She is survived by her husband, Pete Van Straten of Baraga, a loving husband of 73 years; brother, Harold Juntunen of Livonia, MI; daughters, Mary (Bill) Mowry of Lake Forest, IL, Sue Van Straten of Chicago, IL; sons, Peter (Diane) Van Straten of Baraga, George (Jill) Van Straten of Chassell; daughter-in-law, Donna Van Straten of Negaunee; grandchildren, Peter (Susanah) Landry, Darragh (Arthur) Blachno, Rachel (Colin) Schiewe, Hannah Mowry, Chris (Amber) Van Straten, Carmen (Tyler) Larson, Jenna Van Straten, Eric (Autumn) Van Straten, Josh (Caitlin) Van Straten, Taylor Swanson, Catherine Van Straten, Matt (Emily) Carstens, Laura Carstens, Ashley (Luke) Cody; great-grandchildren, Christian, Colton, Jaycee, Georgia, Tessa, Rylan, Rosalie, Tanner, Breigh, Nari, Daewon, Charlotte, Phoebe, Auggie, Sam, Scarlet, Michael and Melanie; sisters-in-law, Jen Juntunen of Farmington Hills, MI and Jane Juntunen of Greenland, MI.
Visitations will be held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in L’Anse on Tuesday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. His funeral will take place at 1 p.m. with Fr. Referee Corey Litzner. Lunch will follow in the parish hall. Burial will take place in the Baraga Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart School in L’Anse. Jacobson Funeral Home is helping the family.
Friends can sign Lillian’s guestbook or send their condolences to www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
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