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Carl Allan Kukkonen, 96, a former Hancock, MI, resident and current resident of Chassell, MI, and Phoenix, AZ, passed away in Arizona on November 22, 2018 of natural causes.
Born July 29, 1922 in Trimountain MI, he was the son of Charles and Aminda Kukkonen. His wife of 73 years, Shirley M. Kukkonen, passed away in 2016.
He is survived and loved by his four children:
Carl (Noreen) Kukkonen of Dana Point, CA
Phillip (Bonnie) Kukkonen of Hancock, MI
Ann (James) Golden of Marquette, MI
Thomas (Carla) Kukkonen of Apple Valley, MN
Preceding him in death was his son Larry Kukkonen.
Carl is also survived by his sister Helen Bjork and adult grandchildren: Carl Kukkonen, Daniel Kukkonen, Kristi Kajander, Erik Kukkonen, Camille Moberg, Amy Golden, Thomas Golden, Zachary Kukkonen, Sara Kukkonen, and 19 great grandchildren.
Carl graduated from Hancock High School in 1940 and attended Suomi College (now Finlandia University) where he met his wife Shirley. He served in the Navy in the Pacific in World War II and was called up again for the Korean War. Carlworked for his father as a photographer at Kukkonen Studio in Hancock, and bought the business in 1955. Carl and Shirley expanded the business to include Hallmark greeting cards and gifts. Two additional Kukkonen Cards and Gifts stores were added in Houghton.
Carl was a life member of the American Legion and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He was a member of the Shriners and the VFW. Carl and Shirley were instrumental in starting the Hancock All School reunion. He served on the city council and was active in many community and business activities in the Hancock and Houghton area. He and Shirley were active members of Finns and Friends in Phoenix. After retirement Carl and Shirley spent winters in Phoenix and summers at their cottage in Chassell.
A memorial service will be held 12 noon Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with Rev. DJ Rasner to officiate.
Friends may call on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 10 am until time of services at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family suggests the memorial be given to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Carl Kukkonen.
To view Carl’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements.
