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As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:
Verna Mae Susan Leinonen, age 82 of Covington, MI passed away Friday, June 2, 2023. She was born in Watton, MI on April 19, 1941, daughter to Ero and Sylvia (Heikkinen) Korpi.
She attended Covington and Watton schools and graduated from L’Anse High School in 1959.
On November 4, 1961 she married Claude Leinonen of Covington. He preceded her in death on January 16, 2005.
Verna worked for a few years as secretary at the Baraga Extension Office in L’Anse, then became a stay-at-home mom to the couple’s three sons for about 20 years. Later, for 17 years, she worked as a customer service representative at Midway Telephone Company in Watton, retiring in 1997.
Verna was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Covington. A favorite Bible verse was Psalm 121:1-2. I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
She enjoyed reading, flower gardening, sewing, craft projects, traveling and especially spending time with family and visiting.
Survivors include sons: Nathan of Covington, Timothy (Traci) of Menominee, MI, and Jonathan (Maura) of Atlantic Mine, MI. Grandchildren; Andrew, Abbey, Benjamin, Danelle, Samuel and Miina. Sisters: Shirley (Merle) Conrad of Rockford, MI and Betty Korpi of L’Anse; numerous dear nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Besides her husband Claude, she was preceded in death by parents, sister Marilyn Byrns, and brother-in-law Denver (Patti) Leinonen of Covington and Almont, MI.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Covington. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with Rev. Corey Harman officiating. Immediately following the funeral service, interment will take place in the Covington Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church.
The family would like to thank the numerous caregivers, physical therapists and others who provided extensive help over the last few years.
Verna’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 funeral arrangements.
