Dustin M. Jussila

Dustin Matthew Jussila was born March 21, 1979 to Cindy Ayotte of Sanford, MI and Matthew Jussila of Midland, MI. He departed this life May 20, 2021 at the age of 42 from a tragic car accident in Oklahoma.

He graduated from Merrill High School in 1997. Dustin attended Central Michigan University where he studied, performed, toured, and recorded with master percussionist Robert Hohner and his ensemble. Dustin earned his Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Oklahoma City University in 2009. On June 1, 2020, Dustin Jussila and Julian White were united in marriage.

Dustin previously taught band at Saginaw, Michigan, Blanchard, Oklahoma, and Mustang, Oklahoma before moving to take the Middle School Band position in Cushing, Oklahoma. Dustin performed with the Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Enid Symphony, and the Midland Symphony Orchestra. Dustin was a very active percussion teacher, performer, and adjudicator throughout Oklahoma and Michigan and was in demand as a wind and percussion arranger/ composer for many schools and colleges throughout the United States. His passion was music which he enjoyed sharing with his students. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and exploring the culinary arts.

He is survived by his wife, Julian Jussila and family of Cushing, Oklahoma, mother Cindy Ayotte (David Sleeper) of Sanford, MI, father Matthew Jussila of Midland, MI; brother, Ryan (Christie) Jussila of St. Charles, MI; step sister Kim (Harry) Gough of Traverse City, MI; step brother, Kevin Ayotte of Sanford, MI, Uncle Gary (Marilyn) Orlich of St. Paul, MN; nephews, Andrew and Cash Jussila, and Brandon Ayotte; nieces, Amanda Gough and Melissa Ayotte, cousins Megan Sullivan and Andrew Orlich, and grandmother, Ruth Jussila.

Dustin was preceded in death by his step father, Raymond Ayotte; grandfather, Matthew Jussila;
grandparents, George and Blanche Orlich; and niece, Erica Gough. A memorial service will take place at a later date in Michigan. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Merrill High School for a Music Scholarship in Dustin's name. Merrill High School 555 W. Alice St. Merrill, Michigan 48637