JON JUOLA

He was born on July 28, 1934, to Ernest and Tyra Juola in Eveleth, Minn. He married Audrey Rintala on Aug. 20, 1955. They moved to Alpena in 1956, where Jon taught math at Alpena High School for 36 years, retiring in 1993. He also spent many years coaching tennis and teaching driver education. Jon will be remembered for the deep caring and commitment that he showed to the many students and athletes with whom he worked. In stores and restaurants in Alpena, it was common to have former students approach with a smile and a warm greeting: “Hi, Mr. Juola!” After retirement he divided his time between Alpena and Bradenton, Fla.

Jon was an enthusiastic member of the Gideons, to which he donated countless hours, and he served regularly in local prison ministry as well. He was an avid tennis and hockey player, a true athlete and competitor up until the very last year of his life. A humble, faithful and devoted servant of Jesus Christ, Jon was a member of Word of Life Church in Alpena.

Jon and his wife, Audrey, had 51 precious years together before she passed away from Parkinson’s Disease in 2014. In 2015 he married the former Judith Priest, and they shared two wonderful years together before Jon passed away. Jon is survived by his wife, Judith, a brother, Warren Juola, of Capistrano Beach, Calif.; his children, Tyra Szpara of Grand Ledge, Mich., Tammy Juola of Muskegon, Mich., Jon Juola of Bradenton, Fla., Julie Exline of Cleveland, Ohio; and many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Word of Life Baptist Church in Alpena on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the service starting at noon. Donations for memorial Bibles can be made in Jon’s name to Gideons International, 101 N. Industrial Highway, Alpena, MI 49707. Arrangements are being handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.