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 Britain 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