Paul F. Heltunen's Obituary
Paul F. Heltunen, age 98, passed away peacefully May 11, 2019 at Sturgill Care Center, Hospice, in Brooksville, FL. He was born on February 23, 1921 and raised in Aura, MI, the son of the late John and Ida “Mumma” (Palosaari) Heltunen.
Paul was the sixth child of 11 children. He graduated in 1940 from Pequaming High School. He served in the Coast Guard during WWII as a Radioman and convoy escort duty in North Africa. Paul retired from General Motors Techcenter in Warren, Michigan in May 1980 and returned home to Aura.
In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his infant sister, Adele, sisters, Verna Drummond and Sylvia Golka; brothers, Edwin, Arnold John, Herman, and Ralph.
He married Phyllis Mae Miller on May 21, 1949. They moved to Spring Hill, FL in 1992, due to health reasons, where he enjoyed life until his recent death. Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, Michigan State basketball, the Detroit Tigers, fishing, hunting, reading, stained glass, needlepoint, cross-stitch, traveling and remodeling.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis and daughter Vicki Veasey both of Homosassa, FL; sisters, Anna Severance of Suttons Bay, MI and Phyllis (Robert) Rogers of Tallahassee, FL; sisters-in-law, Peggy (James) Bailey of Port Hope, MI and Virginia Heltunen of Redford, NI; brother-in-law, Ron Miller of Homosassa, FL; numerous nieces and nephews; two fur-baby grandchildren, Kipper and Katy.
A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at the Spring Hill United Church of Christ with the Reverend Robin DeAngelis officiating. Military services took place immediately following with a luncheon in the fellowship hall.
Graveside services for Paul and Phyllis will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022 in the Aura Cemetery with Pastor Peter Suomela officiating.
The Reid Funeral service and Chapel, L’Anse assisted the family with the local arrangements.
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