Hancock
James F. Piiparinen, 75, a resident of Hancock, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at the UP Health – Portage Hospital following a short illness.
He was born on May 16, 1944, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late Raymond and Thyra (Halmekangas) Piiparinen. Jim was raised in Hancock and was a graduate of the Hancock High School with the class of 1962. He then attended Soumi College and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Social Work.
After Graduation Jim had worked for the Houghton County Medical Care Facility as the facility Social Worker. He retired as a supervisor from the Michigan Department of Human Services in Houghton County. He became a licensed Social Worker in Nevada. He worked in a long-term care facility as a case manager and for a large HMO in the Las Vegas area for seven years.
On June 14, 1969, he was united in marriage to the former Linda Kay Houle at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock. Jim and Linda lived and worked in Hancock until moving to Las Vegas, NV in 1993. After retiring from employment in Nevada they continued to spend winter months in Nevada and the remainder of the time in the Copper Country.
Surviving are:
His wife: Linda Piiparinen of Hancock
His brother: Raymond (Barbara) Piiparinen of Springfield, IL
His nephews: Erik (Holly) Piiparinen of Rio, WI and their son Matthew Piiparinen
James (Kristine) Piiparinen of Virginia, IL
His in-laws: James (Marsha) Houle of Hancock
Thomas (Tina Giachino) Houle of Hancock
Carole Sue (John) Marino of Waukesha, WI
Joseph (Michelle) Houle of Flint, MI
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Funeral Services for Jim will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, August 3, 2019, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock with Rev. Peter Vorhes to officiate. Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock.
Friends may call on Saturday, August 3, 219, from 11:00 am until time of services at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock.
Jim’s family would like to thank the Physician’s, Nurses and staff of UP-Health for the care given to him during his illness.
To view Jim’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements.