Obituary: Esther Pekkala

As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:

Esther Pekkala, 98, a resident of Hancock passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Franklin House of Portage Pointe in Hancock where she had been a resident patient.

She was born on August 7, 1923, in Green, Michigan. Daughter of Carl and Elina (Tormi-Ivonen) Kangas. Esther attended Green and Ontonagon schools, graduating in 1941. Was employed at the Copper District Power Company from 1941 – 1945. Was briefly employed at the Soil Conservation District and at Suomi College for 27 ½ years.

On August 22, 1945, she was married to Oscar Pekkala in Hancock. They lived in Hancock where they raised 3 children.

Oscar and Esther were involved in the Hancock Soap Box Derby for many years in which son Dennis was Champion in 1962. Member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Eagles Auxiliary #382 and was 2003-2004 Mother-of-the-Year.  Member of the Finnish Theme Committee, and former Martha & Mary Society of Suomi College. During the 2011 Heikinpäivä Festival Esther was honored as the Hankookin Heikkis (Heikinpäivä Queen).

She is preceded in death by her husband Oscar, sister Eileen Williams, son Dennis, daughter-in-law Karen, and son-in-law Richard.

Surviving are daughter Arlene Shearer of Waterford, Mi.  son Alan Pekkala of Hancock, 2 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service for Esther will be held 11 am Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock with Rev. Brahm Semmler-Smith to officiate. Spring burial will take place in the Forest Hill family plot.

Friends may call on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, from 10 am until time of services at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock.

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

Memorials may be made to the Finlandia University Archives.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.