Obituary: Lorraine Lassila

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Lorraine Lassila, 92, a resident of Klingville, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Portage Pointe Nursing Home in Hancock where she had recently become a resident.

Lorraine was born at home “down by Pike River” on February 20, 1932, just around the corner from where the midwife lived. She grew up in her family home “up the hill” on Pike River Road in Chassell, MI. She was the daughter of the late Neilo and Impi (Sauvola) Lakanen, and graduated from Chassell High School with the class of 1950.

On June 23, 1951, she was united in marriage to Fred Lassila. As her grandson would say, “Grandma kept the family glued together”, even as they navigated through several job-related relocations. When Lorraine was not managing the household, you could find her in the kitchen of the schools in the Cedarburg School District in Cedarburg, WI where she worked for many years.

In 1988, Fred and Lorraine settled down in Klingville to enjoy their retirement years. While Klingville was home, Fred and Lorraine spent ten winters in sunny Largo, FL. Also
during retirement, Fred and Lorraine won a Caribbean Cruise from the Wheel of Fortune and had the opportunity to meet Pat Sajak and Vanna White. They also took the opportunity to tour with Carl Pellonpaa from Finland Calling and visit Finland, their homeland. She enjoyed swimming with her aqua-fit friends at the Michigan Tech swimming pool. She also enjoyed shopping, visiting with friends and had a gift of being able to make new friends wherever she went. Lorraine was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chassell. She also was a life-long member of the Chassell Historical Society and Baraga American Legion Auxiliary.

Preceding her in death were her husband of nearly 70 years Fred, and her grandson Pasha Molitor along with her parents.

Surviving Lorraine are: Her children: James (Nicki) Lassila of Chassell, Michael (Patricia) Lassila of Grafton, WI, & Lori (Ken) Molitor of Sheboygan, WI
Her grandchildren: John Lassila, Jeremy (Stacey) Lassila, Jay Eric (Andrea) Lassila, Alex (Anna) Lassila, Chelsea (Nik) Sarkauskas, Samuel Lassila, & Serjey (Ariel) Molitor
Her great-grandchildren: Nora Lassila, Bryce Lassila and Jaxon Sarkauskas. She is further survived by her sister Elaine K. Peters of Birch Run, MI, and other relatives and
friends.

A Memorial Service for Lorraine will be held 11:00 am Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chassell with Rev. Soren Schmidt to officiate.  Burial will be in the Chassell Cemetery.

Friends may call on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 10:00 am until time of services at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

The family would also like to express thanks to the staffs at The Bluffs Senior Community and Portage Pointe Nursing Home for the exceptional care given to Lorraine during her stays there.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorial contributions be given to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or the charity of one’s choice in memory of Lorraine Lassila.

To view Lorraine’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Chassell Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.