Harold W. Heikkinen

December 22, 1926 - March 7, 2015

Harold W. Heikkinen, age 88 of Aura, MI passed away Saturday, March 7, 2015 at D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, Michigan. He was born in Aura on December 22, 1926 the son of the late Antti and Anna (Hietila) Heikkinen. Harold attended school in Pequaming and graduated from L’Anse High School at age 16. In 1942, Harold was the Baraga County U.P. 4-H Premier Potato Champion. He attended Michigan State for 2 years majoring in Agriculture. Harold is a United States Army Veteran and was stationed in Thule, Greenland during the Korean conflict. On March 18, 1952 he married the former Sarah A. Parker in Indianapolis, IN. She preceded him in death on July 11, 2011. Harold worked as a logger, raised cattle, was a business partner in Pequaming Properties, and proudly served as Sheriff in Baraga County from 1955 until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the Shriners, American Legion Post #144, L'Anse VFW, L'Anse Golf Club, served as Chairman of the local March of Dimes, and supported a number of community activities during his lifetime. Harold loved spending time outdoors on his farm, fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, and was a sharp card player. Mr. Heikkinen is survived by his loving children Connie (James) Davidson of Escanaba Glen (Tina) Heikkinen of Vancouver, WA, Dennis (Jenny) Heikkinen of L’Anse, and Cindy (James) Wheeler of Sault St. Marie and Hancock, grandchildren Tammy Funke (partner Todd) of Fond du Lac, WI), Tracy Funke of Escanaba, Chad Heikkinen (Lauren) of San Antonio, TX, Andria Zambito (Chris) of Orlando, FL, Sarah Wheeler of Baltimore, MD, Jacob Wheeler (Sally) of Bloomington, IN, Zachary Wheeler (Elise) of Chandler, AZ, and Shane Wheeler of Marshall, MI. Great grandchildren Kyle, Nikki, Madison, Violet, Ashlyn and Camryn, great-great grandchild Hailee. He is survived by his sister Ellen Corey of St. Claire Shores, MI and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Esther, his brothers Ernest and Carlo and grandson Joshua Wheeler. A memorial funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Pastor John Autio officiating. The family will greet friends on Saturday from 2 p.m. until the time of the memorial service. A Masonic Lodge service will be held at 2:15 p.m. followed by a military service at 2:30 p.m. Following the memorial funeral service, interment will take place in the Pequaming Cemetery.