Elsie E. Stella

IRONWOOD, Mich. — Elsie E. Stella, 84, of Ironwood Township, died peacefully Friday, March 15, 2013, in Ironwood, surrounded by her loving family.

The former Elsie Lassila was born July 8, 1928, in Ironwood Township, daughter of the late George and Senia (Nasi) Lassila, and attended Roosevelt Grade School and Luther L. Wright High School.

She married Antonio D. “Tony” Stella on Sept. 11, 1948, in Bessemer. He preceded her in death on July 4, 2003.

Elsie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood, where she served as longtime chairman of the funeral lunch committee and belonged to the Rachel Circle. She loved her flower gardens and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and doing crossword puzzles. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Surviving are four children, Brian (Mary) Stella Sr., Ironwood, Cheryl Bunt (Frank Loreti), Ironwood Township, Darrel Stella (Patricia Smith), Bessemer, and Rick Stella, Muskego, Wis .; 12 grandchildren, Brian Stella Jr. (Amanda DeCarlo), Angela (Scott) Brogan, Daniel (Tara) Stella, Tammy Stella, Jamie (Kirk) Nauman, Noah (Karli) and Anthony Bunt, Jennifer Pineda, Theresa Valencia, and Debbie, Zachary and Kelsey Stella; 12 great-grandchildren, Brittany, Gianna, Antonio, Giovanni, Brooklyn, Bo, Kali, Kyle, Sean, Ryan, Isabelle and Kagan; three sisters, Ellen Kangas, Irene Brozzo and Elayne Matulik; brother-in-law, Frank (Gloria) Stella; sister-in-law, Mary Bretall; numerous nieces and nephews; and special angel Jill, who we sincerely thank for all the love, kindness and care given to Elsie.

Besides her parents and husband, Elsie was preceded in death by brothers, Edwin and Roy Lassila; and a sister, Evelyn Lassila.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 19, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9:30 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., in Ironwood, with the Rev.Kurt Kovanen officiating.

Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Committal and interment will be in Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township, in the spring.

Pallbearers will be Brian Jr., Daniel and Zachary Stella, Scott Brogan, Kirk Nauman, and Noah and Anthony Bunt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Regional Hospice, 100 S. Mill St., Bessemer, MI 49911.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood, where condolences may be given online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.