Jean (Jennie) H. Makkonen, 85, of Oneco Location, Calumet, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Portage Pointe in Hancock.

She was born on December 20, 1931 in Franklin Township to the late Hugo and Helmi (Koski) Forsman and attended school in Hancock. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock.

Jean was united in marriage to Carl Makkonen on November 8, 1952 and they resided on Carl’s family farm in Oneco. Together, they farmed strawberries and potatoes, and also had dairy cattle and chickens. Carl passed away in April 2002.

Jean enjoyed walking, skiing and snowshoeing in the woods, vegetable and flower gardening, bird watching, canning food and baking. She took up oil painting later in life and created beautiful works of art that she gave away to family and friends. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, creating outdoor adventures to share with them.

She was known for her hospitality and all who knocked on her door were offered coffee, homemade baked goods, a warm smile and good conversation. Jean was very generous and one could not leave her house without a gift. Her gifts were special and ranged from flower seeds to monster cookies to coupons. She had the unique ability to sense what people needed without being told. Jean defined sisu and her ever-present good mood was contagious.

Jean moved to Portage Pointe in late 2014 and loved living there and participating in the activities. She was known by the staff members as a “ringleader” and made many friends among the residents. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Portage Pointe and UP Heath System - Portage for their support and care for Jean, especially during her final days.

Jean is survived by two daughters, Manda (Robert) Sheridan of Calumet and Linda (John) Burcar of Hancock; two sons, Mark (Debbie) Makkonen of Verona, Wisconsin and Eric Makkonen of Houghton; five grandchildren, Chris (Tania) Lajimodiere of Negaunee, Layla (Kevin Juntunen) Aslani of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cyrus Aslani of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Josh Makkonen of Verona, Wisconsin and Zach Makkonen of Annapolis, Maryland; three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Carson and Emma Lajimodiere; a brother, William Forsman of Franklin Township; close friends, Robert Wuori of the Hancock Canal and Adrienne Hilman of Chassell; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

Aside from her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by four brothers, Norman, Henry, Peter and Reino, and a sister, Sylvia Jarvi.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock with Pastors Jesse Aho and Chuck Bylkas officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10 a.m. A burial will be at a later date at the Lakeview Cemetery in Calumet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Copper Country Humane Society or the Lahti Retreat Center (Camp Lahti) in care of Zion Lutheran Church.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with arrangements.

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