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UPDATE: Join the family of Carol Kirkish in celebrating her life at a Memorial Service on Saturday July 19, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Gary Step officiating. The service will take place at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home, 214 Hancock Avenue, Hancock, MI 49930. Friends may gather an hour before services. Following the Memorial, an open house will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at 501 Bridge Street, Houghton, Michigan 49931.
Renton, Washington – Carol Marie Kirkish, a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and former resident of the Copper Country, passed away on December 1st, 2024, at the age of 85.
She was born in Hancock, MI, on August 17, 1939, the youngest of five children to Irving Carl Yoohs and Ethel Flica Yoohs (Scholar). Carol graduated from Hancock Central High School in 1957 and married the late James “Jimmy” A. Kirkish on September 21, 1957, in Houghton, MI. They had three children and were active residents of the Copper Country, where they nurtured strong ties with family, friends, and neighbors. Passionate hockey fans, they spent many weekends watching Michigan Tech and Houghton High School hockey and rarely missed their son’s sporting events. For many years, they owned and ran the Kaleva Café, a treasured 105-year-old family restaurant. James preceded Carol in death on May 7, 2002, after 45 years of marriage.
Also preceding her in death were her parents, her sisters Dorothy (Phil) Dennis and Genevieve (Walfred) Ponnikas, and her brothers Robert “Buddy” (Dorothy) Yoohs and Donald “Archie” (Marilyn) Yoohs. She is survived by her three children, Paula Kirkish of Renton, WA, Lisa (Sunny) Kankanala of Seattle, WA, and Joel (Susie) Kirkish of Green Bay, WI, as well as three grandchildren, Anna (Nick) Mazzilli of Seattle, WA, Noah (Fuchun) Kankanala of Los Angeles, CA, and James “Jimmy” M. Kirkish of Green Bay, WI.
While raising her children, Carol balanced the demands of motherhood with a dedicated work life. She spent several years working for Sears and later built, renovated, and managed the Huron Square Apartments and Commercial Complex with her husband. Her final job was with the City of Houghton supporting the city manager.
Carol had a wide range of interests. An accomplished seamstress, she lovingly sewed clothing for her children and made intricate doll clothes. She had a passion for arts and crafts, and a talent for interior decorating and gardening, always finding ways to beautify everything around her. Even in her later years, she was considered the fashionista of the family. Carol also had a deep love for animals, and throughout her life, shared her home with dogs Jessie, Josie, Jamie, Toby, Nicky, and Nelly. An avid mystery buff, she often joked she could have been a detective in a past life. Carol loved music, especially Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette, and enjoyed dancing to her favorite songs. She had a sweet tooth for chocolates and loved her ice cream. A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Hancock, she was active in church events and Circle meetings. Her greatest passion was her grandchildren, whom she supported wholeheartedly.
Later in life, Carol moved to the Western U.S. to be closer to her children and grandchildren, eventually settling in Washington in 2022. She enjoyed many family outings in the Pacific Northwest, including dinners, game nights, and trips to Whidbey Island.
A celebration of life will be held in late Spring or Summer 2025. Donations can be made to the Copper Country Humane Society in honor of Carol.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with local arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
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