SELMA E. HAANPAA's Obituary
SELMA E. HAANPAA, age 96, of L’Anse passed away suddenly Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Bayside Village, L’Anse. She was born in Pelkie, MI on November 30, 1915, the daughter of the late Andrew and Elsa J. (Kurkinen) Haara. Selma married Walfred Haanpaa on December 15, 1934. He preceded her in death on October 18, 1997. She was Lutheran by faith. Selma enjoyed shopping, going for car rides and going out to dinner. She was very devoted to her family.
Mrs. Haanpaa is survived by her daughters Judy (Rueben) Bessonen of Pensacola, FL, and Sharon Kangas of L’Anse, grandchildren Janet (Frank) Supanich of L’Anse, Kurt (Pat) Bessonen of Mobile, AL, and David (Connie) Kangas of Negaunee, great grandchildren Casey (Jason) VanStraten of L’Anse, Kristen (Noah) Beesley of Pelkie, Alex and Jessica Bessonen of Mobile, AL, Shae Kangas of Madison, WI, and Brandon Kangas of Negaunee, MI, and great-great grandchildren Jayden, Kaylynn, and Maci. She was preceded in death by her husband Walfred, grandson Kevin Bessonen, great granddaughter Holly Marie Sullivan, son-in-law Robert “Bob” Kangas, and 9 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services for Mrs. Haanpaa were held at 11 am Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor Greg Mileski officiating. Spring interment will take place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The family greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Following the funeral service, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and refreshments in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral chapel. Memorials in Mrs. Haanpaa’s honor may be directed to the Baraga County Shelter Home, P.O. Box 10, L’Anse, MI. 49946.
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