As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Pauline S. Kokkonen, 95, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 at Canal View – Houghton County following a lingering illness.
She was born on July 4, 1930 in Hastings, Michigan to the late Omar and Sylvia Barker. She graduated from Hancock Central High School with the Class of 1948 and later took Nurse Aide Training in 1970. Throughout her lifetime, she was employed at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility, the Copper Country Mall, Vertin’s Department Store, the Red Owl Grocery Store, Osceola Township office, and at the Surplus Outlet Store in Houghton.
For a time, Pauline was married to Henry Eldon Kokkonen on October 9, 1948 at the Pine Street Apostolic Church in Hancock. She was a member of the Runeberg Lodge #8 in Dollar Bay and was a Cub Scout Den Mother for 10 years. She enjoyed knitting and flower gardening and was a fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Green Bay Packers, and NASCAR.
She was also preceded in death by her mother Sylvia Satushek in 1997, her father Omar Leroy Barker in 1946, her step-father Frank Satushek, daughter-in-law, Theresa Kokkonen, and son-in-law, Lester “Butch” Nettel.
She is survived by 6 children: Ronald Kokkonen of Dollar Bay, Judith (Mark) Peterson of Ripley, Leslie (Richard) Hytinen of Arkansas, Robert (Amber) Kokkonen of Chassell, Peggy Nettel of Superior, Wisconsin, and Tina (Patrick) McCarthy of Houghton; and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Canal View – Houghton County for their kind and compassionate care given to Pauline during her stay there.
Graveside services are tentatively set for 10 A.M. on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. Pastor Aaron Gehrke of Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church will officiate.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
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