Obituary: Ellen A. Biekkola

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

Ellen A. Biekkola, age 86 of L’Anse, MI passed away Friday, January 3, 2025 at Bayside Village, with family by her side. She had been a resident of Bayside Village since April 2023. Named after her mother, Ellen was born at home in L’Anse on September 14, 1938; the youngest of five to Leonard G. and Ellen A. (Olsen) Lindstrom. Her mother passed away when she was 2 weeks old. She and her siblings were raised by their father, with help from Aunts, Uncles and neighbors. At age 14, her father passed away, leaving herself and one older sister still at home. Family, friends and neighbors continued to be there for the Lindstrom children and at the time of her father’s death, her oldest brother, Dale, retuned from the U.S. Air Force and became the guardian for Ellen and Janice.

Aunt Gerda Larsen (her mother’s oldest sister) was a very special mother-figure in Ellens life, where a special bond was created. Ellen enjoyed many years of her youth growing up in Alberta, where dancing classes were included in this school, with her grandfather, Oscar Olsen and Aunt Gerda Larsen providing the music and instruction; while occasional visits were made by Henry Ford. At a young age, she learned cooking, and baking skills, along with knitting and crocheting. She later attended the L’Anse High School and graduated with the class of 1957.

She married George “Fred” Biekkola, Jr at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in L’Anse on October 31, 1959. Together they raised their children in L’Anse, and enjoyed spending time at the local ball fields and hockey rinks with their children and grandchildren. Family and friends often enjoyed homemade meals, breads, rolls, sweets, afghans, sweaters, scarves, mittens and many baby gifts made by Ellen over the years. The door was always open, where coffee and a meal were often served for any and all company who stopped by.

Surviving children are: Cindy (Jeff) Hubbard, Karen (John) Fooce, Larry (Heather) Biekkola, all of L’Anse, and Scott (Adriana) Biekkola of Texas, grandchildren SMSgt. Jason (Cheryl) Hubbard, MN, Lt. Col. Ryan (Christa) Hubbard, NY, Jessica Hill, IL, Scotty Biekkola , NE, Julie Hill, Baraga, Lauryn, Ross, Lindsay Biekkola all of L’Anse, great grandchildren Tessa Hubbard, NY, and Hunter Hubbard, MN, brother Lyle Lindstrom, CT, and sister-in-law Annette Lindstrom, L’Anse. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred in 2004, infant daughter Mary Ellen in 1965, brother Dale Lindstrom, sisters and brothers-in-law: Miriam (Leonard) Goddard, Janice (Dale) Friess, sisters-in-law Anna Mae (Bill) Johnson, Mary Biekkola-Wright, Mona Lindstrom, brother and sister-in-law Bill (Sandy) Biekkola. Ellen was a member of United Lutheran Church, L’Anse where her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2025 with Renee Eliason officiating. Immediately following the funeral service, the family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the church hall. Memorials in Ellens honor may be directed to the Baraga County Historical Society, c/o the Alberta Sawmill, 803 US 41, S., Baraga, MI 49908 or Bayside Village, Activities Department., 832 Sicotte St, L’Anse, MI 49946 The family would like to thank the staff at Bayside Village, the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, and her friend, Mary, who visited her weekly.

Ellen’s obituary ay also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.