Gwendolyn A. Malnar, 74, a resident of Calumet passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Lighthouse of Hancock where she was a resident for 1 and ½ years.

She was born on January 15, 1943, in Laurium, to Waino and Viola (Peltonen) Jokela.

She attended Calumet High School and graduated with the Class of 1961.

Gwen moved downstate for several years.

She married Fred Malnar in the Detroit area, and later divorced.

In 1998, her and her significant other, Allen Busser moved back to the Calumet area.

Gwen worked as Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital for several years as a Certified Nurses Aide.

Gwen is preceded in death by her parents, Waino and Viola, her aunt and uncle, John and Lyla Sitar, Brothers, David Jokela, and Gerald Jokela, significant other, Allen Busser.

She is survived by:
Cousins: Joyce Nakkula of Calumet
Paula (Bruce) Simula of Ahmeek
Dennis Jokela of Arizona
Roland (Gloria) McKinstry of Calumet
Theresa (Fred) Brouillette of Ishpeming

And numerous cousins and relatives from the Lower Peninsula , and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet with Pastor Jacob Heaton to officiate. Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.