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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Joan Heikkila, 76, a resident of Fulton passed away peacefully on Sunday October 3, 2021 at the Omega House in Houghton.
She was born on December 21, 1944 in Laurium to John and Eleanor (Puhek) Buckett. She attended the local schools and graduated from Calumet High School with the Class of 1962. Following high school, Joan went to work in Washington DC for the FBI for a short time before returning to the Copper Country. While working in Eagle Harbor, Joan met the love of her life, James. They were united in marriage in 1964 in Calumet.
Once returning to the Copper Country, Joan started working as the secretary for Michigan Tech University in their athletic department.
Joan loved to plant and farm on hers and Jim’s hobby farm.
She was very active in her church. She taught Sunday school for 27 years, and was a member of the Women’s Round Table, Mohawk Park Committee and was very active with the Music in the Park in Mohawk as well.
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Eleanor, her 2 brother in laws, Dave Ahonen and Rolf Leary, and her niece Jona Ahonen.
She was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Calumet.
She is survived by her husband, James of Fulton
Her children: Mathew (Denise) Heikkila of Calumet
Mark (Sherry) Heikkila of Novi
Karl Heikkila of Mohawk
Sara Heikkila of Ahmeek
3 grandchildren: Kelly, Megan, and Dana
Her siblings: Mary Ahonen of Big Traverse
Barbara Leary of St. Paul, Minnesota
John (Mary Jo) Buckett of Marquette
Laura Moore of Laurium
Tom (Marie) Buckett of Sedar Bay
Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home on Thursday October 7, 2021 at 6:00 pm with Nancy Auer to officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday October 7, 2021 from 4:00 pm until the time of the service.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
In lieu of flowers donations could be made to Omega House, Houghton, Michigan
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
