Thelma I Turpeinen

January 26, 1924 - July 27, 2017

Thelma I. Turpeinen, age 93, of Baraga, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse. She was born in Pelkie, MI on January 26, 1924, the daughter of the late John and Anna (Kokko) Pesonen. Thelma attended school in Alston. She married Reuben J. Turpeinen in Pelkie, MI on December 21, 1946. He preceded her in death on December 17, 2013. Thelma was a member of the Alston Apostolic Church. She enjoyed baking, cooking, playing farkle and spending time with her family. She will always be remembered for her “gift of hospitality”. Mrs. Turpeinen is survived by her loving children Barbara (Ken) Herkey of Cheektowaga, NY, John (Barbara) Turpeinen of Alston, Donald (Sandra) Turpeinen of Baraga, Diane (Greg) Besse of Gladstone, and Donna (Dan) Lauluma of Baraga, grandchildren Chris, Justin, Jolie, John, Heidi, Nathan, Abby, Shawn, Jessica, Jamie, Joe, Renee, Rebecca, Melissa, Gabrielle, Cain, Mitch, and Klaire, 40 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, brothers Norman (Doris) Pesonen of Lewiston, MI and Jim (Clarise) Pesonen of L’Anse and sister Millie Hill of L’Anse. Several nieces and nephews and other family members also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter Helen and son-in-law Don Spear, and brothers and sisters. Funeral services for Mrs. Turpeinen were held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor Jesse Aho officiating. The family greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Immediately following the funeral service, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the Harrington Gathering room, located at the funeral chapel. Interment took place in the Alston Cemetery.