Marvin John Bukema passed on May 10, 2019 at Pacific Hospital in San Francisco, CA. He was born on September 27, 1947 in Coos Bay, Oregon, to parents Alli Anne Muhojoki and George Edward “Shorty” Bukema. His grandparents, Elvira Kokka, Juho Olli Muhojoki, Kate Kokkila and John Bukema emigrated from Finland to the United States through Ellis Island. Although he was born in Oregon, he spent his early years in Butte, Montana. There was a vibrant Finnish community in Butte, largely centered in what was called Finn Town. Butte attracted the Finnish community because of mining and construction. Marvin and his sister Georgia enjoyed fishing and skating in Montana. Marvin’s parents moved to Placerville, California when he was twelve years old where he attended El Dorado High School as a student athlete. He played football and excelled in wrestling at El Dorado High. He was awarded the school's first Student Athlete award in 1964. He was a lifelong booster of the EDHS wrestling team.
Marvin graduated from University of California, Davis in 1968 and University of California, Berkeley in 1971. He started his career in land use development working for the El Dorado County Planning Dept. He worked as a juvenile counselor in Alameda, County, was an associate planner, and Small Business Administration construction analyst for disaster relief. He was given an award for his work with the Northridge, CA earthquakes. He had a State of California Real Estate Broker’s License and was the owner of Apple Realty since 1976. Marvin was a life long member of numerous professional organizations and civic groups. He employed people who couldn’t have found work otherwise. Marvin had a big heart and gave back to the community in a number of ways.
Marvin was a sports and adventure enthusiast throughout his life. He was an excellent guide and storyteller on the South fork of the American River. Friends, family and loved ones always looked forward to a wild ride with him guiding them through the white water. He was also a tremendous water skier, who enjoyed skiing on lakes and the American River of Sacramento. In addition, he was an avid downhill skier sometimes doing as many as 50 runs in a day. He skied with the likes of Spider Sabbich, a hometown Olympian.
He is preceded in death by his parents Anne and George Bukema, his sister, Georgia Franklin, his nephew Kevin Franklin and his niece Cynthia Franklin. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Bill Franklin, his nephew, Steven Franklin and cousins: Connie Mueller, David Bukema, Dawn Johnson, Debbie Cerise, John Pakka, Melvin Wattula, Leona Kalafatich, Kelley Kalafatich, Lorraine Anderson, Kim and Lance Panighetti, Kris Roberts, Laura Peyton, Leah Joki, J. Michael Joki and Kate Joki Rose and his Aunt Jeanne Joki Tanner. Marvin will be greatly missed by many friends throughout California, as well as this country.
Friends are invited to join his family as they celebrate his life on Monday, June 3, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Rd., Placerville, CA. If desired, you can make a contribution to Child Advocates of El Dorado County, Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado County Western Slope, or a charity of your choice.
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