Obituary: Gwen Haltunen

Gwendolyn Luella Haltunen passed away, peacefully, at her home surrounded by her loving family on September 25, 2018. She was 100 years a child of God, 98 years a dear Sister, 84 years a loving mother, 78 years a devoted-wife, 59 years a caring grandmother, 33 years a nurturing great-grandmother, 5 years a proud great-great-grandmother. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday, with family at “The Farm”.

She was born on August 31,1918, to Walter and Mayme(Lauren) Pirkola. She attended school in Gay and Copper City, MI. She was married to “the love of her life”, Elmer J. Haltunen on June 17, 1934 in Laurium, MI by Rev. Heidiman. Gwen and Elmer celebrated 78 years of marriage, on June 17, 2012.

She and Elmer raised their family in Copper City, Detroit and settled on the Halttunen family farm, overlooking Traprock Valley, in 1966. Together, they developed Haltunen Sand and Gravel, Inc. at “The Farm”. She was a homemaker, the bookkeeper of their business and also drove the tractors and trucks.

“Grandma Farm” was the pillar of her family, the light in the dark and the warmest part of the love we held. She was there for each and every one of us and enjoyed all of our celebrations and achievements, as if they were her own. She mourned our losses and lived our tribulations, alongside of us. “The farm” being the gathering place during those sad and happy times. Perfect doesn’t exist but she was the closest thing to it because her love was perfect.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, dear daughter Loretta Winquist, sons in law:Laurence Bausano, Orden Winquist and Jack Schmid, grandchildren: Laura Bausano and Brock Kipina, brothers and sisters: Herbert Pirkola, Lowell Pirkola, Bernice Veres, Audrey Edwards, Gloria Hamel, Lauren Perkola, Larry & Lanny Pirkola and Weldon Perkola.

She is survived by
son: Lee (Judy) Haltunen of Bootjack

daughters: Joan Schmid of Mohawk, Beverly Rastello(Jerry) of Fenton, Bonnie (Daniel) Kipina of Copper City, Cheryl (Ronald) Laurie of Ahmeek, son-in-law: Reid Rastello of Copper City

sisters in law:Dorothy Harjala, Lillian Harjala, Shirley Harjala, Barbara Perkola(New Mexico), Barabara Pirkola(Pontiac), Barbara Perkola(Calumet), Eleanor Pirkola

Numerous nieces and nephews

14 grandchildren: Michael Bausano, Michele(Kurt) Nordstrom, Carole(Bruce)Gilbert, Cathy(Butch) Mattila, Rodd Haltunen, Leanne(Dave) LaBonte, Lori Wuestnick(Shannon), Reid(Laura) Rastello, Jay(Triscia) Kipina, Justin Kipina, Kerry Laurie(Jay), Holly Laurie(James), Teddy Laurie(Kori), Amanda(Shawn)Harju

29 great-grandchildren: Bryan Mattila(Tonya), Amy Mattila(Dan), Jonathon(Tawna)Bausano, Josiah Bausano, Ryan Nordstrom(Mary), Sarah(Delano)Howard, Brook(Tyler) Loukus, Shawn and Casey O’hern, Aaron, Natalie, Olivia Gilbert, Logan Rastello, Mikaylee Harri, Hannah(Chaz) Martinez, Collin and Alayna Wuestnick, Paige Rastello-Weber, Dallas(Kyle) Pihlaja, Harley Jackovich, Dawson Mitchell, Gage Laurie, Ethan and Gwenyth Cinelli, Hudson Marshall, Kolten Laurie, Elli, Cali and Milli Harju

8 great-great grandchildren: Jonas, Paxton, Marisa, Jack, Kurtis, Willa, River, Addelynn, and 2 coming soon

At Gwen’s request a private family funeral service was held at Erickson Crowley Peterson in Calumet with Rev. Jay Weidner. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek.

Online condolences and remembrances may be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com