June Marie Schaefer

June Marie Schaefer, Ph.D, age 77, of Arnheim, MI, passed away Wednesday evening, December 14, 2022 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. She was born on October 5, 1945 in Hancock, MI, the daughter of Wesley and Lempi (Aho) Myllyla. June was raised on the family farm in Arnheim and was a 1963 graduate of Baraga High School. She went on to further her education at Northern Michigan University, receiving her undergraduate degree in 1967. She then earned a Master’s Degree in secondary education while working as a graduate assistant in the Department of Education and as a part-time reading instructor for the Marquette Area Public Schools. In 1986, June also obtained her Ph.D. from Michigan State University. The former June Myllyla married Fred W. Schaefer on July 27, 1968 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette and he preceded her in death on July 28, 2001. Together, the couple shared nearly 33 years of marriage. In 1968, June began teaching emotionally impaired students within the Illinois Department of Mental Health. She returned to the U.P. a year later to work for the Marquette-Alger ISD where she was employed for 30 years. In 1970, June founded the U.P. Special Olympics, based on the belief that all children desire for healthy competition. Her career focused on serving students with special needs. June served as the Director of Special Education for the Marquette-Alger ISD from 1974-1995. She also oversaw all services for students with special needs in the 12 local districts. She also promoted the internalization of education following a November 2005 trip to Israel. June was the Superintendent of the Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency from 1995 through 2007. Following this, June taught graduate level classes as an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Northern Michigan University from January 2008 through August 2011. She retired after completing a 44-year full-time career in education. Her profession led her to receive many honors including: 1997 inductee into Special Olympics Hall of Fame, 1996 Athena Award, 1995 Outstanding Michigan Special Olympics Volunteer, 1999 NMU Distinguished Alumni, 2001 Michigan State University Outstanding Administrator, 2005-2006 Michigan Association of School Boards Designation of MARESA of Education Excellence, and 2007 MASA Superintendent of the Year. June served as President of the Marquette Zonta Club, Treasurer of the Board of Directors for Camp Sunny Skies, and was Secretary of the American Legion Fourth of July Corporation. June was a wonderful example of a woman who excelled in her profession and made a difference in so many lives.

June is survived by her sister, Florence Bessonen of Escanaba; sisters-in-law, Rose Myllyla of Escanaba and Nancy Myllyla of Pelkie, MI; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, June was preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth, Melvin, and Dennis Myllyla; and brother-in-law, Elmer “Bud” Bessonen.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Mission United Lutheran Church, 16463 Pelkie Road, Pelkie, MI 49958. Funeral services celebrating the life of June will follow at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, with Rev. Kelly Ylitalo officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Askel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to Mission United Lutheran Church or the Baraga Area Schools. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba for the care and compassion given to June. 

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