Miriam E. Thompson

HANCOCK, Mich. - Miriam E. Thompson, 92, formerly of 208 E. Oak St., Ironwood, was called home to her Lord Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at Portage Pointe in Hancock, with her loving daughters by her side.

She was born Dec. 25, 1921, in Ironwood, daughter of the late George Michael and Lempi Sophia (Maki-Santti) Aikala, attended Ironwood schools, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1939. After graduation, she was employed as a housekeeper in the Detroit area. Returning to Ironwood, she worked as a receptionist at Dr. Kesti's optometry office and also at the JC Penney Co. as a clerk and window dresser.

She met her future husband, Toivo, in late 1945, after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army as a corporal. As she was fond of saying, he parachuted out of the plane and into her heart. They were married on July 5, 1947, at the Zion Lutheran Church parsonage in Ironwood, by the late Rev. Jacob Hirvi.

Miriam was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, volunteering her time where it was needed. She was an active member of the Esther Circle, enjoying their Bible studies and having an annual get-together at her cottage at Pine Lake, Wis. Her main passions were her strong faith and her family. She was a loving wife and mother, always putting her family's needs first. Her interests included cooking, baking, traveling, reading and watching "Finland Calling" and Lawrence Welk. Throughout her life, she enjoyed many family gatherings and vacations, and especially enjoyed spending time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Miriam had an infectious smile, a great sense of humor, and made friends easily. She took joy in the many new friends she made at Villa Vista in Hurley, Wis., and Portage Pointe. While at Portage Pointe, she enjoyed many activities, including outings, music, bingo, gentle exercise and visiting with other residents and staff. She loved her room with the garden view, garden parties and the resident animals. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving are her two daughters, Paulette Thompson, Allouez, and Terry (Paul) Koskela, Esko, Minn .; two grandchildren, Erin (Andrew) Bianconi, Proctor, Minn., and Rick Peltonen, Minnetonka, Minn .; her brother, Robert (Ceil) Aikala, Marquette; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, Miriam was preceded in death by her infant sister, Helen; daughter, Rona Peltonen, in 1998; brother, Arnold Aikala, in 2004; and the love of her life, her husband Toivo, in 2006.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 1, at 11 a.m., with visitation prior to the service at 10 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Committal and interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bob Aikala, Rick Peltonen, Paul Koskela, Andrew Bianconi, Freeman Johnson and Larry Korpela.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., Ironwood MI 49938.

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