Daryl G. Jestila

Daryl G. Jestila, age 86 of L'Anse Michigan, passed away peacefully with his family at his side at UP Health System Marquette on January 13th, 2026. He was born at home on June 28, 1939 in Baraga, Michigan, the first born of fraternal twins to a surprised John W. and Rose M. (Alatalo) Jestila.

He graduated from Baraga High School in 1957. After graduation he worked in the woods & excavating until he volunteered for the Army. Daryl served in the infantry division in Germany, earning awards as a sharp shooter, unbeknownst to his family until 60 years later. After returning state side he met his loving wife of 64 and a half years, Sylvia Kaurala, finding common ground in their Finnish speaking skills and heritage.

After the Army he worked highway road construction until landing a job at Celotex, a ceiling tile manufacturer in L'Anse in 1961. Daryl started in the lumber yard eventually moving into the role of maintenance mechanic for the majority of his career. He was a hard worker and took pride in a job well done. At the time of his retirement he was #2 on the seniority list after a respected career of 43 and a half years. Daryl received a certificate in welding at Michigan Technological University in order to further his mechanical abilities.

He was a spry 86 and a half year old who was always physically active including up until his accident. An example is when Daryl decided to become a runner later in life, starting at age 50 through the age of 68. He competed in many local 5K races, many times winning his age division. He is an inspiration to all that it is never too late to start.

Daryl enjoyed working in the woods, felling and cutting trees for his winter's wood for 47 years. During his working years, his family helped him, just ask them how hard he worked. He hand split his wood the entire time, including this current year as he never owned a wood splitter.

Going to the "Farm" was Daryl's hobby. Whether it was building or fixing anything, cutting wood or grass, snow plowing or having get togethers with the Jestila clan, it provided a constant joy for him. Daryl's tractor and trailer rides were a family favorite.

Daryl had a strong faith in God. He was a member of the United Lutheran Church in L'Anse, served a term on the church council and was very active on the property committee for many years.

Daryl was a selfless, honest man of his word and his integrity shown through in all that he did. He was a family man who, above all, loved his family and worked hard taking care of them his entire life. It wasn't uncommon to see him outside working at his home, the church or a family member's home.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Sylvia, daughter Peggy (Claude) of Barrington, Il, son Arnie of Kenosha, WI and daughter Gail of L'Anse. He is also survived by twin sister Dolly Smith of Carrollton, TX, brother Terry (Nita) of Blue Springs, MO, sister Linda (Mark) Massie of Baraga, MI, sister Judy Balber of Carrollton, TX, and sister Betty (Tom) Bartus of Jenison, MI. He is survived by grandchildren Derek Robillard of Marquette, MI, Samantha and Grace Peltola of L'Anse, MI, Nick (Karen) Moczarney of Kenosha, WI and Kim (Corey) Aker of Yorksville, WI and great grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Cindy, Randy, Tammy, Ginger, Jeff, Lori, Kristi, Bob, Karrie, Heather, Julie, Lori, Jason, Timmy, Marc, Krystal, Justin, Joel, Katherine, Jeremy, Andrew, Keith, Joshua, Cindy, Kim and Amy.

Daryl was preceded in death by his father John Jestila, mother Rose Jestila Mathes, parents-in-law Esther and Wilfred Bunker, brothers Jack and Paul Jestila, sister Jennifer Patterson and grandson Benjamin Peltola.

Funeral services for Daryl will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at United Lutheran Church, L'Anse with Pastor Julie Belew officiating. The family will greet friends at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Immediately following the service, the family invites friends to join them for a luncheon and fellowship in the church hall. Spring interment and military honors will take place in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery in the spring.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.