Rita Marie Bykkonen (73) of Copper City died August 31, 2015 while at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility after a long illness. She was born on November 26, 1941 to Adolph and Gwen (Zigman) Kuivinen in Detroit, MI.
She attended local area schools and was a graduate of Calumet High School, Class of 1959. She was united in marriage to William R. (Bill) Bykkonen in June 1960.
She is survived by her mother Gwen Kuivinen of Copper City, MI; two children - Cindee (Tom) Molnar, Castle Rock, CO and David Bykkonen of Copper City, MI. three grandchildren: Kevin (Melanie) Bykkonen, Bear Island, Ontario, Canada, Elizabeth (Beth Molnar) (Joshua) Robertson, Bakersfield, CA and Holly Martin, Burt, MI; Three great-grandchildren - Zena and Lyla Martin and Rachel Robertson; One sister Linda Beckner of LacLaBelle, MI along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill in June, 2005 and father, Adolph Kuivinen in September, 2001. She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, and was a supporter of the Copper Country Humane Society and the Keweenaw Spay and Neuter Assistance Group. She was also involved in local politics as she served as Village Clerk for over 20 years and as President for two years.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Tuesday September 8th, 2015 at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 Tuesday September 8th, 2015 with Father Abraham Mupparathara to officiate. A private family burial will take place later this month.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
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