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Alden K. “Papa” Hiltunen passed away on August 12, 2018. A visitation will be on Saturday, September 29th from 10-11:00 a.m. at Jacobson Funeral Home. Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct military rites at 11:00 a.m. under the direction of American Legion Post 444, followed by a memorial service with Pastor Peter Suomela officiating. A luncheon will be held at the Aura Fire Hall following the service. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Alden’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
Alden K. “Papa” Hiltunen passed away on August 12, 2018 with family at his side. He was born on September 20, 1934. Alden was raised in Aura on his family’s settlement.
He graduated in L’Anse in 1953. He proudly served in the Army from 1954-1956 during the Korean conflict. While stationed in Germany, he traveled to Denmark during a leave and met his first wife Kitt. Kitt and Alden married in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1957 and relocated to Garden City, MI upon his discharge from the Army. Alden & Kitt had 3 boys (Gene, Scott & Mark). Alden was preceded in death by Kitt in 1971.
In 1974, Alden married Glenda (Werner) Peavey. Alden and Glenda never had children of their own and they raised their combined 7 children as one united family.
In 1980, Alden, Glenda and their two youngest children (Nancy and Mark) returned to the Hiltunen homestead where he proudly resided until his death.
Alden was a proud Teamster and his million-mile status. Alden was an Aura community supporter and member of the Zion Church. He was the groundskeeper at the Aura Hall for many years and a volunteer firefighter. Like most Aura residents, he proudly awaited the Aura Jamboree each year. The music and dancing at this event brought him happiness.
Alden also enjoyed woodworking. In his younger days he could often be found working in his workshop making Scandinavian brooms, Finnish lanterns and buttons for the next jamboree. Alden and Glenda loved to dance. They would never turn down a chance to Polka.
Alden was an avid berry picker. He knew the best raspberry, blackberry and thimbleberry spots in town. During prime season, Alden could always be found driving around in his old blue pickup with the infamous “Papa” license plate picking a hat full of berries for Glenda to make jams and syrups.
Alden’s friends and family will remember his jokes. This skill earned him a weekly spot in the local paper. Much to many young mother’s dismay, Alden loved to teach children their first words.
Alden is survived by his wife of 44 years, Glenda and his 7 children, Cherri (Mark) Helsel of Pinckney, MI, Gene (Denise)Hiltunen of Belleville, MI, Scott (Sherry) Hiltunen of Howell, MI, Doug (Penni) Peavey of Pinckney, MI, Joan Kirkland of Pinckney, MI, Mark (Wendy) Hiltunen of Aura, MI, Nancy (David) Haanpaa of Aura, MI; 18 grandchildren, Traci (Ken) Hamilton and their children Hannah & Kyle Hamilton, Tami (Matt) Heinonen and their children Nickolas & Nathan Moskal, Jukka Heinonen, Mark (Jenna) Helsel and their children Aidan & Abby Helsel, Calvin & Alyssa Hiltunen, Heather (Shane) Cunningham and their children Tucker & Rylee Cunningham, Amanda Peavey and her children Jada, Tessa Thomas, Stephanie and Alex Rowland, Alex Hiltunen, Samantha (Marquis) Hiltunen and their children Noah, Zeke, Lilah Woodbury, Allison & Hunter Domen, Jenna & Dana Hiltunen, Brian Majeski, Kenny (Kylee) Majeski and their child Thea Majeski, Jake Haanpaa; best friend, Denny Koski; aunt Vi Karvakko; numerous nephews and cousins.
Also proceeded in death by his parents Yalmer and Hilma (Maki) Hiltunen, his sister Thelma Sandbank, his brother Norman Hiltunen and his grandson Alex Rowland.
A memorial service will be held later this fall. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Alden’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
