Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Eva Joanne (Leskinen) Johnson, 87, a former resident of Osceola passed away after a lengthy illness on September 21, 2017 at Portage Point in Hancock.
Eva was born on February 13, 1930 in Calumet to Paul and Hilda Leskinen of Ahmeek. Eva was one of ten children.
She attended Calumet High School and graduated with the Class of 1948.
On April 29, 1950, she married Roy Johnson of Osceola. Eva and Roy moved to Detroit, but soon returned to the Copper Country where they could be near family.
They were married for 31 years and together raised four children.
Eva was a devoted wife and mother and grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Eva worked at Calumet Electronics, as a bookkeeper at Vertins Department Store, and co-owner of the Elms Motel.
Eva spoke fondly of her childhood in Ahmeek. She was a sports fan, especially backing the Green Bay Packers, but her family still loved her anyway!
She loved her pets, and most recently experienced the devotion of her dogs, Laddie and Lulu.
Her grandchildren share many stories of their adventures with grandma while babysitting. Eva had a loving relationship with her granddaughter, Justine, whom she often helped with her care.
Eva was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Hilda, her husband, Roy, her infant daughter, Nancy, and her granddaughter, Justine, One sister, Gertie Mella, and eight brothers, Urho, Laurie, George, Arnie, Karl “Gus”, Toivo “Eddie”, Erland “Dan”, and Bill, and numerous pets.
She is survived by three sons, Bill (Shelley), Marc (Marsha), Jon (Beth), and one daughter, Judy (Donald “Jed”) Bracco.
Six grandchildren; Michelle (Chris) Carlin, Lori St. Louis, Royale (Ryan) Walter, Ryan (Abby) Rivest, Kelsey Johnson, and Justice Johnson
Ten Great Grandchildren; Gerry LaBonte, Trent Carlin, Linkin Carlin, Zion St. Louis, Zamirah St. Louis, Mchalie Walter, Blakely Walter, Evan Rivest, Sam Rivest, and Liviyah Rivest
And numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet with Pastor Ken Toth to officiate. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home.
Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek.
The family would like to express appreciation to the staff, nurses and doctors at Portage Pointe for their care and kindness to Eva and her family while she was a resident. Also thank you to Rev. Katherine Salmi and Rev. Ken Toth for the time they spent with Eva.
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.
