Obituary: A. Esther Kieranen

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

In loving memory of A. Esther Kieranen, 88, a resident of Twin Lakes (Toivola,
Michigan), who died peacefully on Monday morning, May 15, 2023, as a resident of
Houghton County Medical Care Facility (Canal View), Hancock, Michigan.

Esther was born May 10, 1935, in Wainola (Mass City), Michigan, daughter of Charles
and Fannie (Rauvala of Toivola, Michigan) Laiti. During her youth she attended Mass
City Elementary and High Schools (Mass Rockets), graduating with the class of 1952.
On August 21, 1954, Esther was married to Benhart Kieranen of Mass City where they
then resided. Benhart preceded her in death on December 19, 1984. Both Ben and
Esther were self-employed much of their lives, and in their mid to later years owned and
operated Twin Lakes Resort, a seasonal cottage rental business beginning in 1960.

Throughout this time, they met many long-time guest acquaintances, great friends, and
families throughout the years, with such friendships continuing well into Esther’s lifelong
later years.

Esther was a member of both the First Lutheran Church of Winona and St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church of Mass City. She was a kind and thoughtful wife and mother, active in
her life, and always energetic and dedicated to her various activities and work. In their
early years of marriage, both Ben and Esther were active members of The Camera
Club, a monthly local sightseeing group with members from the Mass City, Greenland,
and Ontonagon areas. Additionally, Esther helped to initiate a local Mother’s Club
group which was generally associated with the Elm River Township Winona Elementary
School and its K through 8 th grade students and teachers. Esther served for several
years on the Elm River Township Board of Review, was a member of the Houghton-
Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Kaleva Ladies
Ainon Tupa.

Immediate surviving family are daughter Mary Kieranen of Twin Lakes, son Carl
Kieranen of Twin Lakes, and grandsons Ben Kieranen, and Brandon Kieranen.
Esther was additionally preceded in death by her dear infant son Robert Kieranen, and
her three older brothers: William, Edward, and Eino Laiti of the Mass City area.
According to Esther’s wishes, her earthy ashes will be interred at the Greenland
Township Maple Grove Cemetery beside her dearly departed husband Benhart. A
peaceful family gathering in honor of Esther, her life, and our shared memories of her
will follow and continue among her family, friends, and acquaintances for years to come.

To view Esther’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.