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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Mildred Ann Karpinen, 96, a resident of Calumet passed away at her home on February 25, 2020.
She was born on May 11, 1923 in Houghton to John and Anna (Kaario) Hirvela. She graduated from Calumet High School with the Class of 1941. During World War II she worked for the federal government in Washington, DC, returning to the Copper Country in 1945. On January 1, 1946 she was united in marriage to Charles Karpinen who preceded her in death in 1951.
Locally she worked for the Finnish Mutual Fire Insurance Company until 1967. She then worked for the Michigan Employment Security Commission retiring in 1986.
She was a member of the National Lutheran Church in Calumet until it closed and currently was a member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Houghton. For over 65 years she was the organist at the National Lutheran Church playing her last church service at the age of 90. As the church organist she played for numerous weddings and funerals. Over her lifetime she was active in many community organizations and always loved to bake for any person or event.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Hirvela, her sister, Marie Pies, her brothers, John “Sonny” Hirvela, Melvin Hirvela, and Kenneth Hirvela.
She is survived by a daughter Carol Fowler of Calumet, grandchildren: Mathew (Wendy) of Cedar Rapids, IA and Laura, of Greenville, MI. Great grandchildren Ashley, Savannah, Tyler, and Madesyn, and great great grandchildren James and Spencer. Sisters-in-law Lorraine Hirvela of Laurium, Janet Hirvela of West Allis, Wisconsin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at the Siskiwit on August 22 at 2 pm with Pastor Glenn Schwanke to officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
