Toivo Matt Jussila

Toivo Matt Jussila, 57, of Iron River, passed away, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 in Temple, Texas.

He was born April 15, 1955 in Munising, Mich., the son of Engve "Swede" and Shirley (Brill) Jussila.

Toivo grew up and attended schools in Superior. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He spent most of his life as a "professional tourist" aka: truck driver who drove through 49 states and Canada. For six of these years, he owned and operated his own trucking service.

Toivo was married to Dawn Manthei on Feb. 3, 1996 in Ashland, Wis. The couple resided in Iron River while Toivo taught Auto Mechanics at WITC in Ashland. He enjoyed riding his Harley, being a backyard mechanic, helping out friends in need and telling stories of his life adventures. He was a very interesting person who will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn of Edina, Minn.; sons, Shawn Jussila of Ohio and Daniel (Venessa) Lopez of South Carolina; daughter, Cynthia Lopez of Texas; brother, Charles (Bonnie) Jussila of Iron River and sister, Lisa Jussila of Superior; mother-in-law, Sharon Manthei of Ashland, Wis.; sisters-in-law, Lori Manthei of Ashland, Wis., Sandra (Dan) Schatz of Fairbanks, Ala.; and eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant granddaughter, Sierah; a father-in-law, uncles and aunts.

Post No. 10191 military services will be held at 11 a.m. at the Iron River VFW on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Arrangements are by Frost Home for Funerals of Ashland. View this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences at bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Tags: obituaries