Betty Joan Kinnunen

She was born on February 5, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to Hilda Pelto. When Betty was five, she and her mother returned to the family farm in Pelkie, Michigan.

Betty graduated as Valedictorian of the Baraga High School Class of 1950. After graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper at the Pelkie Co-Op until her marriage to Wilho ‘Bill’ Kinnunen. The couple spent time in France while Bill was serving in the Air Force before moving to Alexandria, Louisiana, until his honorable discharge. They then returned to Pelkie for a few years before settling in Negaunee in 1963.

A devoted wife and mother, Betty was a homemaker for many years before returning to work as a bookkeeper and secretary at Custom Asphalt Paving, retiring when the business was sold. She and Bill enjoyed spending winters in Punta Gorda, Florida, until his health declined.

Betty was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She loved traveling-together they went from coast to coast, even making a memorable trip to Maine on their Gold Wing motorcycle. She also enjoyed visiting the casino. Betty and Bill treasured attending the sporting, musical, and other activities of their children and grandchildren.

In November 2020, Betty suffered a massive stroke, losing her ability to speak and needing to re-learn how to walk. With family support, she was able to remain at home for three years. Following a hospitalization for an infection, she became a resident at MCMCF.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years and 10 months, her mother, her stepfather Kaino Johnson, and her biological father, Art Erickson.

Survivors include her five children: Mikel (Jeanne) Kinnunen, Steven Kinnunen, William (Debbie) Kinnunen, Dawn (Gary) Annala, and Lori (Gary) Laurila; grandchildren Lisa (Duke) Jacobetti, David (Becky) Kinnunen, Amanda (Matt) Thimm, Mitchell Kinnunen, Daniel (Lindsey) Kinnunen, Sara (Nate) Geritts, Bryan (Danielle) Annala, Mikel (Shauna) Annala, Matte (Kristina) Laurila, and âher Jodiã Laurila, with whom she shared a very special bond, step-grandshildren, Carrie (Mike) Phillips and Brady (Amanda) Williams; 26 great-grandchildren, with baby boy Geritts due soon; two great-great-grandsons; and her special cousin, Marilyn ‘Sissy’ Johnson.

Honoring Betty’s wishes, no services will be held. Cremation will be provided by Fassbender Swanson Hansen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS), 815 M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841.

The family wishes to thank the staff at MCMCF for the excellent care they provided, as well as UP Home Health and Hospice for their support. A special thank you goes to fellow resident Jeanne Nylander for her love and devotion-‘You are my sunshine.’

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