Obituary: Gail M. Laajala

Houghton

    Gail M. Laajala, 73, a former resident of Heritage Manor in Houghton passed away Friday morning May 10, 2019, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital following a short illness.

     She was born on January 8, 1946, in Hancock, MI, a daughter of the late Alfred and Irene (Olive) Brey.  Gail was raised in Hancock and Ripley and attended the Hancock and Ripley schools.

     Gail was united in marriage to James Ruska on November 13, 1965, and the couple resided in Chassell where they raised their three daughters.  On May 15, 1993, James preceded Gail in death.  On December 28, 1994, she was united in marriage to Karl Laajala.  The couple had resided in Hancock and Houghton and on August 24, 2012, Karl preceded Gail in death.

Mrs. Laajala had worked as a Home Health Aide for many years for Janis Home Health and then as a private duty home health aide.

Gail was raised in the Catholic Church, enjoyed working puzzles, reading and taking trips to Baraga.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husbands, her grandson Randall and her brother Gary Brey.

Surviving are:

            Lori (Dennis) Heikkila of Chassell

            Cheryl (Gary) Cieczka of Wisconsin

            Stacie Ruska of Wisconsin

            Her grandchildren:

                 Nicholas Heikkila, Brittany Cieczka and Wendy Cieczka

            Her brothers and sister:

                 Richard Brey of Ripley

                 Michele Brey of Ripley

                 Donald Brey of Florida

            A special cousin: Cathy Dicks of Chassell

            Several nieces, nephews and cousins

     As requested, no service will take place.

      Gail’s family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock, the Aspirus Keweenaw Emergency Department and the Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the care given to her.  They also would like to thank Gail’s second family at Heritage Manor, for the friendships and time, they were able to spend together.

To view Gail’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please contact Memorial Chapel Funeral Home or visit www.memorialchapel.net.

     The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements.