Kristina Rae Hahka-Asta

Kristina Rae Hahka was born at Marquette General Hospital on November 11th, 1950 at 11:00 pm. Her parents, Ray and Lorraine Hahka, were out trapping muskrats the day she was born. She lived much of her early years in West Ishpeming and in the UP. At the age of 14, Kristina moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was a majorette and lead in the Senior Class play before graduating from Crafton High School in Pittsburgh. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Minors in Women’s Studies and Psychology and graduated Cum Laude. Kristina went on to graduate school at the University of Pittsburg, where she graduated with a Master’s in Library Science. Kristina took on Independent Studies from Dr. Sarah Like, learning about family systems and psychology. She was very involved with the Women’s Movement and went down to Washington D.C. to march for the ERA. Kristina was also an environmental advocate. She was a pre-school teacher, children’s librarian, mediator at the family court in Delaware: mediating custody, support, visitation and repairing family relationships.

Kristina worked as a Certified Addictions Counselor at Marquette General Hospital. In 1989, she bought her house in West Ishpeming, where she lived for 23 years of her life, it was a very happy time. She also was a lifelong devotee of the arts.

However, she was robbed of her independence by a myriad of health problems. She fought to live despite polyarthritis, and Parkinson’s disease.

She was a fan of Turner Classic movies, had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, an avid reader, gardener, loved walking the dogs, cross country skiing, swimming and running.

Kristina is preceded in death by her husband; Joe Asta, her late husband; Sulo Harju and her dear daughter; Juliana Vitale.

Kristina was also preceded in death by her mother; Lorraine Contreras in December of 2020 and her father; Ray Hahka.

Kristina is survived by her granddaughters; Scottlyn Rae Marie and Gianna Mela Rose and her grandson; Tristan Vitale, her son; Joshua Harju, daughter-in-law; Kirsten Nardi-Harju, nephew; Gabe (Julie) Hahka, siblings; William (Jan) Hahka, Kathy Hahka, Jonathan (Ginger) Hahka, Jaimes Contreras and Kevin Contreras, nieces and nephews; April (Justin) Bassano, Amber Hahka, as well as, Hunter and Everly Bassano, and Noah Hahka.

Kristina’s service will take place at the Messiah Lutheran Church, which she attended regularly, on Saturday, October 1st, 2022. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 11:00 am, until the time of service at 12:00 noon.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.