GLADYS ELLEN KOSKELA's Obituary
GLADYS ELLEN KOSKELA, 83, of Covington was called home to her Lord on Monday, February 14, 2011 at Bayside Village, L’Anse. She was born in Covington on November 14, 1927 the daughter of the late Simon and Hilda (Syrjala) Leaf. Gladys married Leo Koskela on June 4, 1949 in Covington. He preceded her in death. She was a lifelong resident of the community. Gladys was an active member of the Ladies Aid and altar guild and a Sunday school teacher at Bethany Lutheran Church. She was a very loving person who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and helping others. Gladys enjoyed attending community events with music and dancing, coffee social time, dinner gatherings, playing games with friends, and spending time at the lake. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and liked to make people smile. Her hobbies included baking, sewing, and flower and vegetable gardening. Gladys was proud of her Finnish heritage, which included speaking Finn, saunas, polkas and always making people feel at home.
Mrs. Koskela is survived by her loving children, Paul (Terry) Koskela of Esko, MN, Karen (David) Kauranen of Watton, and Evelyn (Steve) Hartle of Vermillion Bay, Ontario, grandchildren Erin Koskela, Karl Kauranen, Pam Kauranen, Bob Kauranen, Nathan Hartle, and Rick Hartle, sister Ruth Seppala of Marquette, sister-in-law Gertrude Leaf, brother-in-law Charles Koskela of Fullerton, CA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Marvin Leaf.
Funeral services for Mrs. Koskela were held at 4 pm Saturday, February 19, 2011 from Bethany Lutheran Church, Covington with Pastor Jimalee Jones officiating. Spring interment will take place in the Covington Cemetery. The family received friends at the church on Saturday from 3 pm until the time of the service. A luncheon was held in the church fellowship hall. Memorials in Mrs. Koskela’s honor may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church, Covington. Envelopes are available at the funeral chapel.
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