John Curtis Tuttle

CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP, MI - John Curtis Tuttle, age 90, of Chocolay Township, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2022, at UP Health System – Marquette, surrounded by family.
Born October 12, 1931, at Grandview Hospital in Bessemer Township, a son of Fred and Florence (Olson) Tuttle, John was raised in Ironwood. He attended Central Grade School through the eighth grade and then transferred to Luther L. Wright High School. He had only attended the high school for three months when his parents moved to Negaunee in November of 1945. John graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1949, where he was active on the football, basketball, and track teams. He attended Northern Michigan University for two years, studying mathematics, and was also a member of the basketball team from 1949 to 1951. He interrupted his college career to enlist in the US Air Force and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant. During a leave from the US Air Force, John met Janice Sue Nelson at a dance at the Palestra, and on June 19, 1954 the couple was united in marriage at the First United Methodist Church in Marquette. Janice joined John at his future duty assignments and on April 7, 1955 they welcomed their first child, Curtis. John was offered an assignment in Japan but turned it down, desiring to return to NMU to finish his degree. The family returned to Marquette in 1955 and on July 17, 1956, a daughter, Jodi, was born as John was entering his senior year. Having a family, attending classes, and working part time was a daunting obligation, but John managed to balance those roles and with the assistance of the G.I. Bill, was able to graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics in 1957. John began his long and illustrious career in education, beginning as a mathematics teacher at Graveraet High School and coaching football and basketball at the elementary level. Later on, he coached freshman basketball. Within two years, John was promoted to head of the Mathematics Department and was involved in the planning for the new Marquette Senior High School. During this time, John continued to be enrolled at NMU, receiving his Masters Degree in Mathematics in July 1961. He also received his Education Specialist Degree in 1977. While teaching at both Marquette Senior High School, and NMU in the evenings, John was introduced to and instituted the newest educational methods at the time of team teaching along with the "new" math. He was elected Vice President of Secondary Education by the Michigan Association of Mathematics Teachers, serving until 1971. In 1970, John returned to what was now Graveraet Junior High and the following year was appointed principal to administer the new format of Marquette having two middle schools. In 1973, Graveraet Middle School opened with an approach to team teaching, having a learning center for disabled students, and an elective program for which they were recognized in 1985 as one of Michigan's outstanding secondary schools. During the years 1975 through 1987, John served as President of the UP Principals, MASSP secretary, Middle School Chairperson, and finally MASSP President in 1985. John concluded his longs years of service to the educational system, community, teachers, and students with his retirement in 1989. John later was employed with Upper Great Lakes Educational Technologies for five years.
Beginning in the 1990's, John and Janice spent time at their vacation homes in Florida during the winters, returning to Marquette in the summers. The couple kept busy caring for their properties, renovating, assisting their home owners associations, and always making and maintaining numerous friendships along the way.
Throughout the years, John was a member of Marquette Hope Skandia Campus, Seminole United Methodist Church in Seminole, Florida, the American Legion, and Elks Club. He served on the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, State Curriculum Committee in Math, and also held membership in Phi Delta Kappa, the UP Association of Secondary School Principals, and served as vice-chairman of the Marquette County Cancer Crusade.
John was a man who loved life and all it had to offer, living life his own way, on his terms. He especially loved his wife and family, making sure his children and grandchildren had opportunities that would enhance their lives. He was always the teacher and educator. Throughout the years, he was very proud of his Swedish heritage, served as a scoutmaster, served on the Marquette County Fair Board, worked as a statistician for the US Forest Service for two summers, built three homes for his family, enjoyed gardening, music and dancing with Janice, was an avid Packer fan, and enjoyed deer and bird hunting.
John is survived by his children, Curtis (Catherine) Tuttle of Skandia and Jodi (Christian) Miller of Marquette; his grandchildren, James (Lizz Plattenberg) Tuttle, Katie (Jordan) Krook, Jon (Kristen) Miller, and Krista (Andy) McCormick; great-grandchildren, Frederick Tuttle, Jordy Krook, Josie Krook, Victoria Krook, Madelyn Miller, Connor Miller, Miles McCormick, and Joni McCormick; and sisters-in-law, Maxine (Fran) L'Huillier of Marquette and Sandra (Thomas) Vitito of Curtis. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and dear friends in North Redington Beach, Florida.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Janice Sue Tuttle, on May 17, 2014; his brother, Eugene Tuttle; a sister-in-law, Beverly Mayhew; brother-in-law, Henry Mayhew; and in-laws, Walter and Saimi Nelson.
The family would like to express their appreciation to caregiver, Naomi Tackola, Emergency Room staff, Neurology Department, and ICU staff at UP Health System – Marquette, for their compassionate and professional care, and for the many kindnesses extended to the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Seminole United Methodist Church Thrift Store, 5400 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, FL 33772 or Michigan Veterans Home D.J. Jacobetti Life Enrichment Fund, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Thursday, October 13, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow in the funeral home reception room. Interment, with veterans honors, will be made at Northland Chapel Gardens.
Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com