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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Edward C “Velu” Heikkila, 91, a resident of Calumet passed away peacefully at his home with his wife of 61 years by his side on Saturday morning March 21, 2020.
He was born on January 1, 1929 in Raymbaultown a son of the late Matt & Jennie (Koski) Heikkila.
He graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1947
After school Velu enlisted in the U.S Army Serving during the Korean Conflict. He also played for the Army’s hockey team, playing in several European countries.
On April 4, 1959 he was united in marriage to the former Sharon Greenleaf of Dollar Bay.
Velu worked in the construction field for various companies in the area. He also worked for C&H Mines and at Homestake Mine until their closings. He retired from MTU in 1991.
He enjoyed hunting, picking agates along the lake shore and going for rides around the Copper Country. He also enjoyed working on remodeling and improving his home. But most importantly he loved to spend time with his family and his grandchildren.
He was a member of Laurium Shining Light Church and VFW Post 3900 of Calumet.
Preceding him in death were 7 brothers: Wallace, Wesley, Roy, Arthur, Garnet, Harold and Ralph 3 sisters: Stella Priest, Edna Welsh and an infant sister Ethel.
Surviving are his wife Sharon
Children: Sheri (Gaylord) Faull of Houghton
Diane (Ed) Balcer of DePere, WI
Edward J.(Kay) Heikkila of Lowell, MI
Jennie Heikkila (Kurt Thomas) of Ontonagon
Grandchildren: Craig Mayworm, Katie (Eric) Wollum, Christina Balcer (Samuel Huber), Brianna Heikkila (Jon Rothley), Brittney Heikkila, Alyssa (Kav) Krueger and Edward R.Heikkila.
Great granddaughter: Remilynn Rothley
Daughter in law: Diane Heikkila of Ada, MI
His twin sister Helen Zeman of Niles IL.
Special niece, Pat Maatta of Osceola and nephew Roy Edwin Heikkila of Dubois Wyoming.
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Special thank you to the nursing staff of the third floor of Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital for their compassionate care. Also to Brian and JoAnn Stark for all their help throughout the years.
Private family services will be held in the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet.
A public graveside services with military honors conducted by the Copper Country Veterans Association in the Lake View Cemetery in the spring and a date will be announced in the spring.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
