Obituary: Phyllis Elizabeth Koivu

Phyllis Elizabeth Koivu, 65, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Baraga Memorial Hospital in L’Anse, Michigan. Phyllis was born on March 20, 1952 in L’Anse, to Theodore and Lempi (Korpi) Carlson.
Phyllis grew up in Nisula, Michigan.  She graduated from L’Anse Area High School in 1970 and went on to earn her LPN certificate from Gogebic Community College. After years of working as an LPN, she received her RN degree in 1997 from Suomi College. Phyllis served as nurse for over 25 years at various healthcare facilities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The majority of those years were spent working at Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L’Anse. She retired from nursing in 2008.
Phyllis married Robert Koivu in 1972 in Greenland, Michigan. They were happily married for 45 years. Phyllis was a member of Mission United Lutheran Church of Pelkie.  She enjoyed history, knitting, crocheting, playing piano and guitar, traveling, camping, and caring for her poodle Pierre.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Lempi.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Robert; her daughter, Angela; sons, Christopher and Justin; sisters, Lillian (William) Rantala, Eileen Holmstrom (Dale Koski), Janice (Todd) Lukkari; brothers, David (Doris) Carlson, Steven Carlson, Brian Carlson; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Jacobson Funeral Home on Friday, January 12, 2018. The family will be greeting friends and relatives from 4 and 7 pm. The funeral service will be held at Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie with Pastor John Ansell officiating on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 12 pm with visitation for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place in the spring.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Baraga County Memorial Hospital and to her physicians Dr. Todd Ingram and Dr. Lloyd Geddes. A special thank you to Reverend John Ansell of United Lutheran Church of L’Anse for his spiritual and emotional support during her final days.
Memories of Phyllis may be shared at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com