Obituary: Barbara J. Lahnala

Survived by her husband, Erland Lahnala of Atlantic Mine, Daughters Greta (Michael) Maples of Atlantic Mine, Maria (Dale) Vadnais of Atlantic Mine, grandchildren Hannah (Elizabeth) Foreman Kirjava of St. Paul, MN, Briana (Joshua) Kepich of Ironwood, Bethany (Benjamin) Johnson of Chassell, Max (Hannah Nichols) Vadnais of Hancock, Ethan Vadnais of Marquette, Draven Maples of Atlantic Mine, great grandchildren Olive and Thaddeus, and siblings William Bammert, Richard (Pat) Bammert, Joesph Bammert, and Kenneth Bammert, in-laws Beatrice Lahti, Laura (Hartley) Collins, and Ernie Kuusisto, as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her parents, Reuben and Ina Bammert, sisters Ruth (Ken) Karpinen, Fay (Wayne) Kuitunen, Dorothy (Clem) Beaudoin, brothers Reuben (Jean and Sandy, and Alice Mis) Bammert, Gordon (RoseMarie) Bammert, also in-laws Edward and Aune Lahnala, Phyllis Kuusisto, Bill Lahti, Barbara Bammert, and Nancy Bammert. 

 

Barbara was born on April 17, 1938 to Ina (Soivio) and Reuben Bammert of Ahmeek. She was one of 10 children, the youngest of the four girls. She graduated from Calumet High School in 1956 and proceeded to work. She spent a short time in Detroit before moving back to the Copper Country. She worked for Michigan Bell, Community Action, Keweenaw Handicraft Shop, Snyder Drug Store and lastly Walmart. She was also a Sunday School Teacher. She met Erland Lahnala at church in Fulton, and married on October 12, 1974. Barbara and Erland welcomed their first daughter, Greta, and their second daughter, Maria. She and Erland have six grandchildren, who know her as Barbie or Grandma, and two great grandchildren. Barbara was an avid baker, whether it be her signature “Chipper Special” or her savory Sloppy Joes, she was always making something tasty for everyone to enjoy. Everyone wanted to know what dish she brought to the potluck! She was a fan of Scrabble, playing with her granddaughter, Briana every chance they had. She also loved crossword puzzles, word searches, puzzles, watching Judge Judy with the grandsons, and of course her nightly “Jeopardy!” Barbara also loved writing to her pen pal of fifty years, Judy Ewan of Kansas. Barbara attended Range Apostolic Lutheran Church in South Range. Barbara’s strong Christian faith, love of baking, word games and puzzles, as well as her care and love for her family will never be forgotten. 

 

Funeral Services for Barb will be held at 2pm, Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home- Mt View Chapel in South Range with Pastor Chuck Bylkas to officiate. Visitation will take place from 1pm until the time of services at the funeral home. Spring burial will be held in the Liminga Cemetery. 

 

To view this obituary or to send condolences online to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net

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