Judith 'Judy' M. Heikkinen

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Judith "Judy" M. Heikkinen, 76, passed away Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at her home in Ironwood, surrounded by family.

Judy was born March 18, 1938, in Ironwood, the daughter of Heimer and Sylvia (Hakala) Lahti.

On Oct. 26, 1957, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, William "Bill" Heikkinen, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood. Bill and Judy moved to Milwaukee and then to Port Washington, Wis., where they worked and raised their family.

Judy worked at Bolens, Port Washington, and Belarus Machinery, Milwaukee, in the sales and advertising departments. She also worked at M.W. Kasch Company as the administrative assistant to the president. Judy and Bill retired to Hurley, Wis., in 2001 and later moved to Ironwood and spent 11 winters in Harlingen, Texas.

Judy was a talented water color painter, winning a number of ribbons at the Iron County and Gogebic County fairs. She was an outstanding cook (pasties being one of her specialties) and she enjoyed golfing, visiting casinos, reading and fishing on Lake Michigan with Bill.

Judy is survived by Bill and three of their children, Kathy (Terry) Bretl, Port Washington, Jeff (Claire) Heikkinen, Ridgeville, S.C., and Sue (Jeff) Roller, Fredonia, Wis .; grandchildren, Emma (Zak Eden), Eli, Aila, Ezra and Addie Bretl, Brad and Jeremy Heikkinen, Jeffrey and Jenifer Heikkinen and Matthew (Amy) and Jake Roller; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Carson Heikkinen and Graci Sue Roller; very special friends, Judy Levra Ozello and Chum Ozello; an aunt, Lila Sorvari; cousins; other relatives; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Bob; grandson, Mitchell; and brothers, Leslie and Robert Lahti.

There will be a private family service at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.