Obituary: Agnes C. Isaacson

As received from the Ryan Funeral Home: 

UPDATE: Graveside committal service for Agnes C. (Stukel) Isaacson 95, is scheduled for Sunday, June 4th, 2023 at the Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek Michigan at 11 a.m. with Deacon Art Stancher to officiate. Reception will follow from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Sandy Pebbles Golf Course (across the street) in Ahmeek.

Agnes C. Isaacson passed away on November 29, 2022 at Canalview – Houghton County. She was born October 14, 1927, to Virginia (Hodges) and Anton Stukel as the second of ten children, Agnes was a lifelong resident of the Copper Country and matriarch of the Stukel clan, who at 95 was preceded in death by all her siblings: Catherine Fountaine; Bernadine Walikangas; Geraldine McNamara; Barbara Leskinen; Fredrick, Donald, and Dale Stukel; Noreen Harri; and Donna Lassila. Only a toddler when the Great Depression began and a teenager during World War II, Aggie’s formative years, like those of a generation of Americans, were shaped by these economic hardships and global conflicts. She married Uno Isaacson, a soldier, fellow graduate of Calumet High School, and native son, on August 7, 1948, and together they raised four children: sons Richard and Neil, Navy and Marine veterans, respectively; a daughter Kathleen; and their youngest son Dale, who locals know as Tom. With ties to the military as a spouse and parent, Ag proudly and diligently served as a member of the VFW Post 3900 Auxiliary. Veterans Uno (WWII) and Neil (Vietnam War) preceded her in death.

Hardworking and industrious, Ag and Uno earned a living operating various Keweenaw area businesses over the decades, such as a service station during the 1960s, charter boating during the 1970s, and the Lac La Belle Resort during the 1980s. Ag’s favorite job was as a longtime nurse’s aide employed by Cypress Manor, which she eventually left to prioritize the needs of family members for whom she provided care and support. After the resort was sold, Ag nevertheless stayed busy in retirement working part-time for Rowe Moving Company and later as bookkeeper and reception agent at her son Neil’s Sandy Pebbles Golf Course.

Ag was ever mindful of the adage “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” which she certainly applied to her work ethic and approach to everyday life. Although some might say her sharp wit displayed at least a passing acquaintance with devilishness, in most respects Ag succeeded in keeping lucifer at bay. Relaxation for Ag almost always involved her hands being in motion doing handiwork of some kind—that and satisfying a surprisingly keen interest in mastering Game Boy challenges. Countless craft projects and assorted knitted, crocheted and embroidered items she made were given to friends and family and to the family of friends, neighbors and community events over her lifetime: Afghans, lap and receiving blankets; chooks, mittens, socks, and gloves; baby sweaters and booties; ornaments and miniature doll clothes; as well as pillowcases, dresser scarves, dish towels, tablecloths and so much more.

In addition to her children Rick (Marilyn), Kathy (Tim) Mallmann, and Tom, Agnes Isaacson is survived by a cherished niece, Julie (Brian) Carlson; seven grandchildren: Joel (Katie) Isaacson, Brad (Jodi) Isaacson, Amy (Scott) Wieland, Sara (Jason) Arriaga, Ginny Korkko (Tom Borts), Matt (Diana) Korkko, and Jake (Makayla) Isaacson; as well as sixteen great-grandchildren and the widely distributed offspring of Ag’s siblings and their extended families so numerous that even she lost count. We know the blessing it was for all of us to have had Ag’s presence in our lives. Feelings of this loss will linger, but we take comfort in the belief that she has been reunited now with those she held dear and have been awaiting her arrival.

At the time of her death on November 29, 2022, Ag was in the care of the Houghton County Medical Care facility, Canal View. The family wishes to express its gratitude for the constancy of care they provided. To abide by Ag’s wishes, interment services are scheduled for June 4, 2023 at the Ahmeek Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life gathering following committal service at the Sandy Pebble Golf Course. Memorials may be directed to VFW Post 3900 Auxiliary or Kermits Kids. Ryan Funeral Home is serving the family.