Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Peter A. Kinnunen, 94, a resident of Atlantic Mine and the Bluff’s Senior Living Community in Houghton passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at UP Health Systems – Portage following a short illness.
He was born on January 31, 1929, in Duluth, MN, a son of the late Peter A. and Tyne (Wesman) Kinnunen Sr. Peter was raised in Arnheim, MI and attended the Keweenaw Bay and Baraga Schools.
He then moved to Detroit, MI and worked as a sheet metal worker for Holland Furnace Company until being drafted in the United States Army. Mr. Kinnunen was a Communications Specialist during the Korean War with the US Army.
Peter returned to the Copper Country and was united in marriage to the former Helen Anderson on June 27, 1953. The couple had resided in Atlantic Mine where they raised 8 children. Helen preceded Peter in death on August 11, 2019.
Pete had been employed locally with Peninsular Gas in Calumet. He then started and operated Kinn Gas Bottle Gas Company until 1972. He then owned and operated Kinnunen Homes retiring in 1994.
Mr. Kinnunen was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Atlantic Mine. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, remembering, and telling stories about the past with a sharp memory for detail, and sharing his musical talents. In retirement he also enjoyed traveling with his wife. Preceding him in death were his wife Helen, his grandson Alex Muszynski, his granddaughter Andra Aho, and a few great grandchildren; his sisters; Elsie Kahila, Pauline Ross, Beverly LeMaster and Myra Walitalo and his brother Roy Kinnunen and daughter-in-law Denise Kinnunen.
Surviving are: His children: Edie (Jerry) Johnson of Atlantic Mine, Steve (Nancy) Kinnunen of Atlantic Mine, Vicky (Bill) Sleeman of Chassell, Dan (Christina) Kinnunen of Atlantic Mine, Peter (Sherry) Kinnunen III of Atlantic Mine Pam (David) Aho of Dollar Bay, Ron (Lora) Kinnunen of Atlantic Mine, Shelly (Jim Wilhelm) Kinnunen of Essexville, MI; 63 grandchildren; 184 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren; his sisters: Pearl Rajala of Baraga and Gloria Niemisto of Baraga; His brother & sisters-in-law: Milton Erva, Margie Anderson and Shirley Anderson; Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service for Peter will be held 1:00 pm Friday, December 8, 2023, at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton with Mark Halonen to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Oskar Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 10:00 am until the time of services at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton.
Peter’s family would like to thank Dr. Helman and the staff at the Hancock VA Clinic, the Staff of UP Health Systems Portage and the staff of the Bluff’s Senior Living Community for the care given to Peter.
To view Peter’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.
