Obituary: Laird H. “Larry” Heikkinen

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

Laird H. “Larry” Heikkinen, age 75 of L’Anse, MI passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at UP Health System in Marquette, MI with his loving wife Bonnie and step-son Joe by his side. He was born in L’Anse on May 15, 1949 the son of the late Reino and Theresa (Duschaine) Heikkinen. Larry graduated from L’Anse High School in 1967. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Larry received 2 Air Medals, one of which was a First Thru Nineteenth Oak Leaf Clusters, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He married the former Bonnie Miller in L’Anse on August 30, 1996. Larry had worked in maintenance and was a school bus driver for Baraga County and Houghton County Head Start. He retired from the former Celotex Corp in L’Anse where he had been employed as leadman lift truck driver. Larry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L’Anse, and the UP Sport Parachuting Association. He had received his 1st Jump Certificate in July 1978. Larry had also been a member of the former L’Anse VFW Post #3897. He had enjoyed hunting, fishing with his friend Ed Drabek, going to the casino, and playing a good game of cribbage with his friend Gary Stein.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Heikkinen of L’Anse, step-son Joe Mantta (Krissy Pawlowski) of Alston, grandchildren Alexis Mantta and Donny Mantta, great grandchildren Avery Loonsfoot and Bennett Mantta Teikari, brother Lance Heikkinen (Sharon Madosh) of Baraga, special niece Shana Marie (Jesus) Munoz of Killeen, TX along with other nieces, nephews and cousins and former sister-in-law Cecilia (Jeff) Jaggers of Killeen, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Neil Heikkinen and Colin Heikkinen, sister-in-law Kathryn “Kats” Heikkinen, and his hunting buddy Jack Kincaid. A celebration of life will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the Baraga American Legion Post #444. Military honors will be conducted at 3 p.m. A potluck luncheon will be served following the military honors. Food items for the luncheon can be dropped off at the Baraga American Legion.

Interment will take place in the Pelkie Cemetery at a later date.

Larry’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 arrangements.