JOHN H. HELTUNEN's Obituary
JOHN H. HELTUNEN, 91, of Aura passed away Sunday, June 25, 2006 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit following a lengthy illness. He was born in Mason, MI. on July 23, 1914 son of the late John Edward and Ida Marie (Palosaari) Heltunen. John attended school in Aura. He married the former Ida Naasko on May 27, 1939 at Otter Lake. She preceded him in death on November 9, 2002. He was employed in the maintenance department at Baraga County Memorial Hospital until his retirement. John was a member of Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Church. He enjoyed woodcarving, reading, hunting and fishing.
Mr. Heltunen is survived by his loving children, Thomas (Lois) Heltunen of Houghton, Esther (Joseph) Sturos of Tapiola, Paulette (Paul) Pelli of Middleville, MI., Peter (Cathy) Heltunen of Mt. Iron, MN., and Eva (John) Niemela of Monroe, WA., 36 grandchildren 42 great-grandchildren, brothers, Herman Heltunen of L’Anse, Paul (Phyllis) Heltunen of Spring Hill, Fl., Ralph (Virginia) Heltunen of Redford Twp., MI., sisters, Verna Drummond, of Hancock, MI., Sylvia Golka of Adams, MA., Anna (Ralph) Severance of Suttons Bay, MI. and Phyllis (Robert) Rogers of Aiken, SC., brother-in-law, Calvin (Liz) Naasko of Otter Lake and sister-in-law, Mildred Heltunen of Calumet. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Edwin and Arnold, and sister Adele.
Funeral services for Mr. Heltunen were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at the Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Church with Pastor James Frantti officiating. Interment took place in the Aura Cemetery. The family received friends on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Church.
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