Marcella J. Braski was born Jan. 7, 1930 at the Lyytinen house with Dr. McKinnon present in Clifford, Wis. Her parents, Laimi (Leino) Aho and Onni Aho took to the fields, full of snow, as the roads were impassable to the midwife’s home nearby. Marcella passed away peacefully at home in Brantwood, Wis., on Sept. 9, 2023.
Marcella attended the Tripoli Joint District School in Tripoli for 12 years. Throughout her adult years she attended college classes at Nicolet and UW-Marathon Campus. She worked mainly in accounting and bookkeeping at Solar Permanent, Brantwood Credit Union, Brantwood Co-op Dairy, Brantwood Co-op Supply, Ah-Nee-Pee, and Mid-America Bank in Phillips where she retired for the first time. Marcella then went on to work at the United States Postal Service in Brantwood and was the Town of Knox Treasurer before retiring once again.
Marcella lived an active life in her community. She was involved with the Co-op Park at Somo Lake, The Finnish American Club, VFW Auxiliary as well as 4H and Cub Scouts. Marcella was active in social change and participated in the NOW organization and ERA ratification efforts. Marcella was a founding member and President of the Knox Creek Heritage Center in Brantwood, Wis.
In her “retirement” Marcella traveled to Finland and to Spain. She traveled the Southwest, Alaska and Canada to camp and fish. Her pastimes were visiting, gardening, canning, camping, fishing, downhill skiing, motorcycling, preserving history and reading.
The pride of her life was her four children and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved people and helping others in the betterment of society. Marcella was also a very proud Finn.
She is survived by her children Karla (Kenneth) Braski, Stephanie Braski and John Braski. She is predeceased by son, Michael Braski. She is survived by her grandchildren Sasha (David) Swetkovich, Mischa Swetkovich, Nathan Braski, Maya (Onyx) Bell, Neil Braski, Nicholas Braski, Naomi Braski and great-grandchildren Addyson Swetkovich and Vincent Braski.
Memorial services will be held at the Brantwood Community Center with lunch following on Sept. 23, 2023 at 11 a.m.