Kathleen (Heikkinen) Ackland
Kathy Ackland
ISHPEMING, MI- Kathleen “Kathy” (Heikkinen) Ackland- After a recent struggle with cancer, Kathy went Home to heaven on July 8, 2024, with her son Brian and daughter-in-law Nora by her side. Pain free, joining her Savior, her husband, her son and many more; we mourn her loss and rejoice in knowing she is experiencing unspeakable joy! Kathleen Marie was born on April 14, 1942, in West Ishpeming, M.I. to Anslem and Mary (Maki) Heikkinen. Her mom passed away in 1948. Soon her dad married Anna Koski creating a very large, blended family. On October 24,1959, Kathy married her first and only love, David Ackland. He called her his bride until the day he died. Family was everything to Kathy; she and Dave raised six children in Diorite, M.I. and Winthrop Harbor, I.L. Kathy and Dave would often hit the road to visit their kids and grandkids, helping with cooking, house projects and (Kathy’s favorite) the grand babies’ first baths. Upon retirement, her bags were packed for her beloved UP–returning full-circle to West Ishpeming, M.I. the very street where she grew up–Silver Street.
Many were recipients of Kathy’s beautiful Norwegian mittens, smocked bonnets and baptism gowns, anise cookies, nisu and gumdrop bread. In midlife she was inspired to learn new things including taking flying lessons at the Waukegan airport, where she worked for several years, as well as taking piano lessons. Kathy loved being the hostess of countless gatherings; she would say, “The more the merrier!” even when the house was full to bursting. Kathy kept life-long friendships with Irene “Piiku” Janofski, and Pat Reyes. She and Piiku held a 50 year tradition of spending New Years Eve together. The family would like to thank the Bible study ladies who picked Kathy up for many years, and made sure that Kathy was included in events.
Kathy was preceded in death by her loving husband David, son David Jr., parents Anslem, Mary and Anna, sister Sharon, brothers Ron, Jerry and Mark.
She is survived by her children Janet Carlson, Diane (Tim) Markham, Carol (Braun) Ogea, Sarah (Dave) Tackman and Brian (Nora) Ackland, and daughter in-law Lisa Ackland. Sisters Christine Gupta and Julie Wolfe, brothers Walter Lampi and Jim Heikkinen. Her 24 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, many more family members and many beautiful friends who loved her as we did.
A special thank you to UP Home Health and Hospice and MCMCF for the wonderful care.
Kathy’s family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00 pm on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee where her funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm with Rev. D. Michael Carriere to officiate.
A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.
The service will be livestreamed which can be found at Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EastwoodALC/.
Kathy’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.