JoAnn Marie Carlisle

MARQUETTE, Mich. - JoAnn Marie Carlisle, age 48, of Marquette, walked on into eternity Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at U.P. Health System in Marquette.

Born Feb. 22, 1972, in Chicago, a daughter of Leroy and Joan (Loonsfoot) Gauthier, the family moved to the Baraga area when JoAnn was young. She attended the local grade school and graduated from Baraga High School where she loved the sports of basketball, volleyball, softball, and track and field. She enrolled at Gogebic Community College pursuing a course of study in art and graphic design. Always interested in continued learning and expanding her education, she later attended Northern Michigan University, studying environmental studies and sustainability.

In 1992, while attending Gogebic, she met Randy Carlisle in Ironwood. Randy met her through a coworker and was taken with her incredible beauty, and the rest is history. Randy and JoAnn were united in marriage in 1993 at a ceremony held at her parents' home. For a time, the couple resided in Ironwood serving as foster parents, moving to Marquette in 1998. Their family consists of four children, two adopted.

Throughout her lifetime, JoAnn held many different jobs. One of her favorite work experiences was being an assistant with the youth group and Bible study teacher for teens while residing in Ironwood. During the summer months, she helped her dad at Tribal Construction doing a variety of odd jobs, including graphic design for the KBIC Health Center and PowWow Committee. JoAnn served for a time as an adjunct instructor at Gogebic Community College and later was employed as a bus driver for Checker Cab.

JoAnn was always busy and always putting the needs and interests of others before her own, never expecting anything in return. She was generous with both her time, talent, and even money; sometimes maybe too generous. She loved volunteering and loved working with horses, getting dirty, and taking care of them. A talented cook, she enjoyed preparing meals for others and made sure everyone was well taken care of. She loved indulging in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers.

In mid-2020, JoAnn was diagnosed with cancer, a daily battle that she always met with a positive and strong attitude. Selfless, she continued to think of others even while facing her own challenges. JoAnn was a member of the New Life Church, Marquette, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Randy; her four children, Amber Carlisle, Stefanee Carlisle, Josiah Carlisle and Micaiah Carlisle; her brother, George (Erica) Gauthier; sisters, Pearl (Lorenzo) Crusan and Brandi (Frank) Stratton; parents-in-law, Dennis and Millie Carlisle; a brother-in-law, Rick Carlisle; sister-in-law, Sheryl Carlisle; and a very large family filled with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and two fur-babies, LuLu and Myles. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a grand-niece.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the New Life Church, Marquette, on Wednesday, Jan. 27, beginning at 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. with Pastor Lew Pizzala officiating. Masks and social distancing are recommended.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services of Marquette is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.