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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Joann A. Lahti, 85, a resident of Ahmeek, MI, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the Omega House in Houghton, MI due to a lengthy illness.
She was born in Stevens Point, WI on February 9, 1937, to the late Anne(Stepan) and Frank Zalabsky Sr. The family later settled in Owen, WI where her childhood was filled with 4-H activities, polka dances, academics, playing saxophone and weekend gatherings on family farms near Mosinee, WI. She graduated from Owen High School in 1955.
Joann was united in marriage to Thomas Keith in 1957, residing in Burnett County WI where they raised their four children; David, Karen, Chuck and Jean. Joann enjoyed being a homemaker, raising her gray geese on the family hobby farm, working as an aide in the Grantsburg Schools and later as an LPN at the local nursing home in Siren, WI.
Joann later moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to start a new chapter in her life. She graduated from Suomi College in Hancock, MI as a Registered Nurse and eventually met and married her future husband, Howard Lahti in 1990. The family became three with the addition of their precious poodle Angel. They settled in Ahmeek, MI where Joann worked as an RN, finding her niche with geriatric patients with home health nursing and upon retirement spent summers living at their camp on Lac La Belle.
Joann was active in the American Legion Auxiliary both in WI and MI, enjoyed babysitting for grandchildren and family pets, loved tending her flower boxes on her deck, was an avid berry picker and Green Bay Packer fan.
Preceding Joann in death are; husband Howard, her parents, sister Agnes (Neil) Anderson, brother Frank Zalabsky Jr, granddaughter Patricia “PJ” Keith and Thomas Keith.
Joann will be missed by her family and is survived by; her children David (Gina) Keith of St. Ansgar, IA, Karen Kucera (Steve Olson) of South Range, WI, Charles (Connie) Keith of Siren, WI and Jean (Brian) Fettig of Pelkie, MI, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends and neighbors.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Omega House and Aspirus Hospice Team for their compassionate care and support during Joann’s stay. Donations may be made in memory of Joann Lahti to: Omega House, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931.
A time to remember Joann will be held on Friday May 5th, 2023 from 12:00-1:00 pm at the Siskiwit Reception Hall located in Calumet, MI. A memorial service for Joann will be held at 1:00 pm in the Siskiwit Reception Hall.
Siskiwit Reception Hall: 26090 E Pine Street, Calumet, MI 49913.
The Erickson-Crowley-Peterson Funeral Home of Calumet, MI is assisting the family with arrangements.
