Obituary: Viola E. Halkola

As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:

Viola Elizabeth (Laine) Halkola, age 95 formerly of Quincy Cove, Houghton, died on May 26, 2021, at Portage Pointe in Hancock of natural causes. Prior to her passing, we were able to share many memories of our time on Summit Street in Hancock and the joy of growing up with wonderful and supportive parents.

She was born in Conneaut, Ohio on March 6, 1926, the only daughter of Anton and Selma Laine. She was a graduate of Conneaut High School and attended Suomi College (Now Finlandia University.)

On August 24, 1946, she married David T. Halkola and moved to Hancock in 1948 residing there for over 50 years. She and David were married for and over 63 years prior to his death in 2009. Each year, Dad would write a beautiful letter on their anniversary and the last one remained framed in her room.

Viola was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, The Women’s Club of Michigan Technological University, and a charter member of the Copper Country League of Women Voters, serving as a member of the board and President in 1967. She was recognized as a founding member in 2019 and gave a humorous and heartfelt speech.

She was loved by many special friends across the age continuum whom she loved in return. Mom was always ready to lend a helping hand and gave generously to those in need. In her time at Portage Pointe and specifically Pewabic House, she came to know the caring and loving staff. She enjoyed hearing about their families and especially their children. Staff would often visit with mom during their breaks.

She loved conversations, watching romantic movies and enjoyed going “junking” with friends. She was a voracious reader and considered Nora Roberts a “close personal friend.” She stayed informed with all current events especially politics. Attending musical performances and shopping were favorite pastimes. She made a beautiful home for her family and enjoyed entertaining. She kept coffee on and could spend hours visiting at the dining room table. She was a great listener and a trusted confidante to many. She had a sly sense of humor and was quick with a witty comeback. She kept us laughing right to the end.

She reminded us, “I’m ninety-five and Dad has been waiting a long time for me.” She was preceded in death by her husband David in 2009, her son Timothy and daughter-in-law Karen Halkola in 2020. Her brothers Ray, Archie and Don along with sisters-in-law Linda and Carol preceded her. Her only brother-in-law Paul Halkola also preceded her. She is survived by her son Mark, daughters Christine L. Harkness (Joseph) Laurel B. Roehm (Fred Bishop), Lisa K. Shank (Christian) and daughter-in-law Marilyn Swift.

Viola is also survived by nine grandchildren, Zachary (Christine) Halkola, Lindsay (Thomas) Hiltunen Abbi and Seth Halkola, Courtney (Anthony) Oliver Allison (Neil) Passinault, Bryan Harkness and David and Andrew Roehm.
Also surviving are great-grandchildren Noah, Alexander, Landon, Lily, Clara, Ashton, Autumn and Brooks. She loved seeing the Halkola generations grow and when the reunions resumed, she was the matriarch of a family which included all age ranges culminating in her still active 90+ years. She loved looking at family pictures and videos and this ritual became a highlight of our visits.

Two sisters-in-law also survive; Helen Laine of Conneaut, Ohio and Kathleen Halkola of Milwaukee, Wisconsin as well as cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mom spent her last years at Portage Pointe. When family and friends were not with mom, the exceptional staff kept her safe and warm. Our family extends the deepest appreciation to the staff of Pewabic House who cared for her with the love and support we were so grateful to witness.

We have countless memories of mom and were blessed to have her for so very long. For her 95th birthday, we all shared written memories and placed them in a beautiful container. She enjoyed pulling “one or two at a time” and reflecting on the impact she’d had on all of us. We will always think of her when we see a coke with no ice and a plain cheeseburger. We will remember her laugh and her unique accent. Thank you, mom, for everything you gave us, taught us and instilled in us.

We told you Dad was truly waiting just around the corner.

Memorials, if so, desired may be designated to the music program at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Thank you to Neil Ahola and the Memorial Chapel and Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock for their assistance with arrangements.

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