Obituary: Gail A. Tarvainen

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

Gail A. Tarvainen, age 77, passed away Monday, January 20, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Gail was born on May 1, 1942 in Republic, MI to the late Robert and Irma (Hanninen) Perry. Gail attended school in Republic and later graduated from L’Anse High School. On August 22, 1959 she married her first love, Rodney Tarvainen, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Covington.
Gail dedicated her life to the care of others in her community, both professionally and personally. From an early age she volunteered at her local nursing home by reading to the elderly and helped to raise younger members of her family. After she married, and while raising her own family she provided care to the elderly at the Tarvainen Rest Home, Thompson House and Winkler Nursing Home, where she was the Activity Director & Social Worker Designee for 17 years. Gail also worked at the Michigan State University Extension in L’Anse as Project Manager for the Family Nutrition Program covering Baraga, Houghton & Ontonagon Counties. Gail was passionate about volunteering in her community and held many different roles, including leading 4-H groups, teaching Sunday School, and volunteering as an EMT. She was a devoted member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Covington and the Covington Township Historical Society. When she wasn’t volunteering, she was baking for others and was known to frequently visit people who were unable to leave their homes due to illness or immobility.

Gail is survived by her sons Rodney (Debbie) Tarvainen of Lake Linden, Jon (Lisa) Tarvainen of Watton and Terry Tarvainen of Covington, nine grandchildren Ben Tarvainen, Kellie (Larry) Davis, Stephanie (JJ Laitila) Tarvainen, Katie (Jared) LaPlante, Kayla (Jacob Hedmark) Tarvainen, Kortney (Matt Lepola) Tarvainen, Korri (Casey) Richard, Alex (Courtney) Tarvainen, and Lucas Tarvainen, ten great-grandchildren Alexis, Mika, Collin, Owen, Emily, Sawyer, Grayson, Max, Ethan and Lindy, brother Keith Perry of Republic, brother in-law Russell (Arlene) Tarvainen of Watton. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Gail was preceded in death by her loving husband, Rodney A. Tarvainen, three children, Joy Lynn, Larry David, Rachelle Diane, and siblings Melvin, Robert, James, Diane, Paul and Mary Lou.

Funeral services for Gail will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020 from Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington with Vicar Corey Harman officiating. The family will greet friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Immediately following the funeral service, the family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the church hall.

Spring interment will take place in the Covington Cemetery.

Gail’s obituary may 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.

To my children and family: “I died the journey is over, I beg of you never forget me. Stay united between each other. Also believe in your faith. Soon we will all be together in eternity. I died, but my love didn’t die. I will love you in heaven as I have loved you on earth.”