IRENE H. HONKALA's Obituary
IRENE H. HONKALA, age, 86, of Aura, passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at Shulstad Lesiure Living, Baraga. She was born in Hancock, MI on June 30, 1927, the daughter of the late Matt and Hilma (Ahonen) Koski of Aura. Irene graduated from L’Anse High School. On October 6, 1945 she married Bernard Honkala in Pelkie. On September 19, 1948 their only daughter, Joanne was born in Hancock. In 1954, Irene and Benny left their farm in Pelkie and moved to Detroit. In 1971 their only granddaughter, Denise was born in Southfield, MI. Irene was employed at Burroughs Corporation (Unisys), and later retired from Michigan Bell. After retirement Irene and Benny returned to their beloved Windy Harbor home in Aura. Benny passed away on May 19, 1998. Irene remained active in the community. She was a member of the Finnish Cultural Center in Farmington Hills, MI and the United Lutheran Church, L’Anse.
Irene is survived by her daughter Joanne and James Wilson of Huntley, IL, granddaughter Denise Young (Kevin Fuery) of Algonquin, IL, brother Roy and Eila Koski of Aura. She was preceded in death by her brothers Norman Koski, Walter Koski, and Albert Koski and her sisters Florence Nelson, Helen Collins, and Dora Waisanen.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2014 from United Lutheran Church, L’Anse with Pastor Greg Mileski officiating. Spring interment will take place in the Pelkie Cemetery. The family received friends at the church on Saturday from 12 noon until the time of the service. Memorials in Mrs. Honkala’s honor will be dispersed by the family to her favorite charities.
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