Edward W. Kinnunen, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday April 29, 2016 at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility with his family by his side.
He was born on February 13, 1931 in Coburntown, Michigan, to William and Margaret (Klinty) Kinnunen and attended local area schools.
As a young man, Ed enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War.
On June 7, 1950 he married Gloria Elizabeth Keller in Reno, Nevada, and soon after, moved back to the Copper Country.
Much of his life was spent working in underground copper mines in White Pine, Michigan, and the Anaconda Mine inButte, Montana. He also worked as a forest fire fighter in Butte, Montana. He retired from mining in 1986 and resided in the Calumet area.
He is preceded in death by his parents; William and Margaret Kinnunen, former wife; Gloria in 2005, and granddaughter Nichole.
He is survived by:
Son: Bruce (Karen) Kinnunen of Hancock
Daughters: Judy (Jay) Edwards of Neenah, Wisconsin
Connie (Steve) Latvis of Appleton, Wisconsin
Debbie LaFave of Marinette, Wisconsin
Holly (Steve) Bianco of L’anse
12 grandchildren
7 great grandchildren
Loving companion of 26 years: Gladys Mitchell
Brothers: Raymond Kinnunen of Raymbaultown
Charles (Una) Kinnunen of Clarkston, Michigan
Norman Kinnunen of Butte, Montana
And several nieces, nephews, and cousins
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday May 4, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Calumet with Father Abraham Mupparathara to officiate and Deacon Art Stancher to assist.
Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet on Tuesday May 3, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm.
Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek, Michigan.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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