Stephanie Aartila

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died April 4, 2023

Stephanie Eloise Aartila, age 86, of Gladstone passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Stephanie was born June 11, 1936 in Mexico City, Mexico, the daughter of Justino and Madeleine (Crabbe) Rubin de la Borbolla. At the age of 11 she moved from Mexico City to Marquette, MI. She graduated from J.D. Pierce High School in Marquette. She was united in marriage to Richard Aartila in September 7, 1957 at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Marquette. They shared 39 wonderful years together.  She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a teaching degree in 1967. She worked as a Spanish and History teacher for the Gladstone High School and traveled to Mexico and Spain with the high school Spanish Club on numerous occasions. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, enjoyed playing golf and reading mystery novels as a pastime. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow up and spending time at the family camp on Little Shag Lake in the Gwinn area. After her husband passed, she traveled with a group of doctors to Central America to provide medical assistance and serve as a translator and in the process had to learn the Spanish words for the human body parts. She was also active in the American Association of University Woman for many years and was the president of the Escanaba chapter for several years and really loved putting on the annual children’s plays.

Stephanie is survived by her children, Greg Aartila of Marquette, MI, Tom (Keila) Aartila of Glidden, WI and Kathryn Aartila of Gladstone, MI and her grandchildren, Cassidy Aartila, Maggie (J.J.) Bailey and Peter Aartila and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her parents and her younger brother, George.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM with Pastor Elisabeth Daniels officiating. Stephanie will be laid to rest in the Park Cemetery in Marquette.

7 Tributes for “Stephanie Aartila”

    Aunt Steph was a genuine, loving person. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, golfer and so much more. What a treat to live right on the golf course. I will miss you auntie. Prayers and thoughts to Greg, Tom and Kathryn.

    One of the greatest teachers who ever lived! Her teaching methods allowed for students to interact among themselves and learn Spanish while providing direct instruction as well. Once you were in Spanish III and IV she would only speak Spanish to you. Which allowed for the student to really learn and put into practice what she taught us! She was kind, had a great sense of humor, was patient and understanding but firm and consistent. Mrs. Aartila was one of those teachers that as you get older in life you reflect back and realize how good of a teacher and a person she was. Our prayers go out to the family. Myself and I’m sure the hundreds of young people she taught will always appreciate her. Our prayers go out to the family.

    I have so many wonderful memories of Stephanie as we drove back and forth to work at Gladstone High School. Went to MARSPS Meetings together also shopping trips. She was just a wonderful friend to have. She will never be forgotten. May she Rest In Peace.

    Greg, tom, n kathryn, I was saddened today to read about your mother.So many times being at your house or in the backyard, yourmom was always gracious and friendly. My prayers are with you.

    So sorry to hear of Stephanie’s passing. Always enjoyed playing golf with her on the Terrace Bluff Tuesday golf league.

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