James Konstantin Marttila
Monday, October 25, 1948
Date of Death:
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Age:
75 years old
James Konstantin Marttila
James Konstantin Marttila, age 75, of Rochester and Lake Vermillion, Minnesota died February 8, 2024 at Season’s Hospice House from complications of lung cancer treatment. Jim was born October 25, 1948 in Soudan, Minnesota to Walter Konstantin and Verena Maud (Oliver) Marttila.
Jim grew up in Tower, Minnesota living above the family business, Marttila Drug, graduating from Tower High School in 1966 and earning Eagle Scout rank. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota in 1971 and was in the first U of M Doctor of Pharmacy class in 1973. He later obtained an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.
Jim taught for 15 years at the U of M College of Pharmacy as well as partnering in operating several pharmacies and a pharmacy consulting business before moving to Rochester where he opened the first Mayo Clinic outpatient pharmacies and directed the team that managed the Mayo Clinic drug formulary. Retiring in 2020 after 32 years of service he continued to consult. He participated in many professional organizations, holding leadership offices and serving on numerous committees at the state and national levels.
Jim loved his time spent in Tower and at the cabin on Lake Vermilion. He was a skilled woodworker, furniture restorer and all-around Mr. Fix-It. He and his wife had a passion for world travel, especially Great Briain where his mother was born. The only continent he didn’t visit was Australia. He was a steadfast supporter, board member and past President of the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center in the former St. Mary’s Episcopal church building where his family worshipped for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen Meyerle; son, Andrew K. Marttila; sister Anne (Charles) Wiermaa; father-in-law Andy Meyerle; sister-in-law Elaine (Robert) Shannon; brother-in-law Gregory (Nancy) Meyerle; 7 nieces and nephews and 1 great niece and 6 great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents Konstantin and Fannie (Harma) Marttila and James and Annie Oliver and aunts Martha Marttila and Ellen (Pela) Anderson.
Memorials can be made to the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center, Box 659, Tower, MN 55790.
A family interment service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of James Konstantin Marttila has received the following condolences.
Our sincere sympathy to Kathy & family on learning of Jim’s passing. Our relationship goes back many years to going to school and graduating from high school with Jim. His family remained as close friends over many years, and I was delighted to get to know Kathy when they made visits to Jim’s hometown, and often stopped in to say hello. Jim remained the down to earth, friendly and kind person over all of his years of professional success. He has left this world too soon, but I know he will be welcomed by his loved ones.
Jeanne & Terry Driscoll
My deepest sympathy to James family. He was a classmate of mine
Our sincere sympathy to Kathy & family on learning of Jim’s passing. Our relationship goes back many years to going to school and graduating from high school with Jim. His family remained as close friends over many years, and I was delighted to get to know Kathy when they made visits to Jim’s hometown, and often stopped in to say hello. Jim remained the down to earth, friendly and kind person over all of his years of professional success. He has left this world too soon, but I know he will be welcomed by his loved ones.
Jeanne & Terry Driscoll
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I got to work with Jim for many years at Mayo Pharmacy and in Supply Chain. He was a fun, engaging mentor with an unmatched sense of humor and business knowledge. His gentle spirit was always there with his quick wit. He will be missed by many. My most sincere sympathy to Kathy, Andrew and all who mourn this loss.
Our sincere sympathy to Kathy & family on learning of Jim’s passing. Our relationship goes back many years to going to school and graduating from high school with Jim. His family remained as close friends over many years, and I was delighted to get to know Kathy when they made visits to Jim’s hometown, and often stopped in to say hello. Jim remained the down to earth, friendly and kind person over all of his years of professional success. He has left this world too soon, but I know he will be welcomed by his loved ones.
Jeanne & Terry Driscoll
Kathy and family, sending warm thoughts to you. Jim has been a friend and mentor of mine at many times over the years starting when I was in pharmacy school and attending MPhA meetings. He was always kind and engaging and of course his rascally demeanor was ever present. Over the years we have worked together on many projects and committees... including the MPhA Professional Affairs committee which he had recently been serving on . I am so fortunate to have learned so much from him, and his legacy lives on in many , many individuals that have been impacted by Jim. Please let me know if I can be of assistance with anything.
My prayers are with Jim and his family as he was an amazing man! Many including myself owe so much to his counsel and guidance over many years and I will never forget the friendship and support he gave me. God bless you my friend
Dan Kistner
Our sincere sympathy to Kathy & family on learning of Jim’s passing. Our relationship goes back many years to going to school and graduating from high school with Jim. His family remained as close friends over many years, and I was delighted to get to know Kathy when they made visits to Jim’s hometown, and often stopped in to say hello. Jim remained the down to earth, friendly and kind person over all of his years of professional success. He has left this world too soon, but I know he will be welcomed by his loved ones.
Jeanne & Terry Driscoll
Dear Kathy,
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's death. My condolences to you and your family as you move through these difficult days.
Sincerely, Pixy Russell
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy, Andrew and their extended family. It was a joy to know and work with Jim and Kathy. Two very special people.
I am so very sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful colleague and friend from our collaboration in the early days of Mayo Medical Ventures. He was a pioneering business leader with a great sense of humor and warmth. Sending condolences, thoughts and prayers for Kathy and Andres. Sincerely, Matt Dacy
We were very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and will keep you and your family in our prayers, Kathy.
God bless you during this difficult time.
Sheila Jowsey-Gregoire
It was with sadness and surprise that we learned of Jim's passing. While I was aware of Jim's professional prowess, I had the pleasure to interact with him more on a personal level. Our boys attended St. John's and were involved in some of the same school and Scouting activities with Andrew. These activities provided occasions when Jim and I would talk briefly about Lake Vermilion, or some happenings at Mayo Clinic, or whatever was top of mind. Jim was a gentle soul who was quiet, thoughtful, and someone I always enjoyed speaking with. I loved his smile. Sometime that's all he would share as we would greet each other, but it was always comforting. Wishing Kathy and Andrew our sincere condolences and prayers during this difficult and tender time.
I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Jim as he led the outpatient pharmacies, as well as when he transitioned to Supply Chain. He was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise to ensure the success of others. My sincere condolences to Kathy and the rest of his family.
I worked at Dison’s where he brought his shirts. We talked a lot. I prayed for him when he was diagnosed with cancer One of my favorite customers for many years. Such a gentle man and never complained. Prayers for friends and his family. It was a privilege to know him for the last15 years
My sincere condolences to Kathy and Jim’s family and friends. I have fond memories of Jim from my time in Supply Chain. He was a fascinating person, an astute professional and always up for a friendly chat. His work had a huge impact on the lives of our patients. A sad day.
My sincere condolences to Kathy and Jim's family on Jim's death. I so enjoyed working with, and learning from him during my time on the Formulary Committee at Mayo. Jim was always knowledgeable, helpful, and full of ideas. I remember him as warm hearted, congenial man, and a wonderful colleague.
I’m so sorry and saddened to hear about Jim’s passing. Would like to provide our sympathies and condolences to Kathy, Andrew and family. Jim was a great mentor to me and many others in the pharmacy profession. I have so much gratitude towards Jim for my career and thankful for the knowledge and expertise he provided. I have so many great memories and he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your family. Adam and Mandy Ewald.
My sympathy to Kathy and all the members of the Marttilla Family. God Bless.
I would like to express my condolences to Jim's family in his passing. If ever there was a person who made a lasting and meaningful impact on his profession, the organization he served, and those fortunate to know him, it was Jim. He will be missed.
With deepest sympathies,
Steven Lucio
I am so sorry to read about James passing. As his high school classmate and friend, I always appreciated his positive and generous nature. It appears that he continued to model those same attributes and lived a good life. With sympathy, Tim Ilse
Deeply saddened to hear of Jim's illness and passing. My heart-felt condolences to Jim's family. Jim is leaving behind a legacy of being an excellent pharmacist, mentor, leader, and most importantly, caring person to all who crossed his path. Will be dearly missed!
Priyesh Patel
We extend our deepest condolences upon learning about Jim's illness and subsequent passing. Jim was an exceptional individual who made a lasting impact on those around him. As a cherished colleague and dear friend to many, his presence, wisdom, and infectious humor enriched every interaction.
My deepest condolences to you Kathy, and family. Jim was a great mentor and leader to so many. He will be missed.
Jim was a wonderful teacher and mentor for me. I am so sad to hear of his passing; he will be missed. Sending love and condolences to his wife Kathy during this difficult time.
I am very sorry to learn of Jim's illness and passing. I remember how much he taught and encouraged me from the time I was a very young pharmacist. He was always on the go, but also always had time for a quick chat. He was a great strategist, educator, and advocate in Pharmacy. My condolences to Kathy and the family.
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim. He was a great man, colleague and friend to many. He shared his knowledge and mentored many fellow employees on the complexities of pharmaceutical expense management. I learned a lot from Jim and will always remember my many debates with him. He will be missed but my fond memories of our interactions will carry on. Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Jim and Wendy Francis
Jim's passing is a significant loss to us all as well as the healthcare industry. I have never met anyone who is so well known, respected and requested to engage. My time with Jim was always a learning experience and usually humorous as well. He knew how to take a comic punch and throw one back. He was one of a kind. My best to the entire family.