Esther Pekkala News, Sports, Jobs
HANCOCK – Esther Pekkala, 98, who lives in Hancock, died on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Franklin House of Portage Point in Hancock, where she had been a patient.
He was born on August 7, 1923, in Green, Michigan. Daughter of Carl and Elina (Tormi-Ivonen) Kangas. Esther attended Green and Ontonagon schools and graduated in 1941.
He worked for the Copper District Power Company from 1941-1945. He temporarily worked for the Soil Conservation District and the Finnish College for 27 years.
On August 22, 1945, he married Oscar Pekkala in Hancock. They lived in Hancock, where they raised three children.
Oscar and Esther were involved in the Hancock Soap Box Derby for many years, with their son Dennis winning in 1962.
She was a member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Eagles Auxiliary No. 382 and was the mother of the year 2003-2004.
She was a member of the Finnish Theme Committee and a former Martha & Mary Society of the Finnish College. During the 2011 Heikinday Festival, Esther was awarded Hankook’s Heikkin (Heikinpä Queen).
She is preceded by her husband Oscar; sister Eileen Williams; son, Dennis; me, Karen; and son-in-law, Richard.
Alive is his daughter Arlene Shearer of Waterford; son, Alan Pekkala of Hancock; two grandchildren; and one great-grandson; as well as many siblings and nephews.
Esther’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home of the Hancock Memorial Chapel under Pastor Brahm Semmler-Smith. The spring burial takes place on a plot of land in the Forest Hill family.
Friends can call on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 until 10 a.m. until worship at the Hancock Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
To view Esther’s memoir or send condolences to your relatives, visit www.memorialchapel.net.
Monuments can be made in the archives of the University of Finland.
Hancock’s Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service has helped the family with arrangements.