Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Minnie W. Wertanen, 97, a longtime resident of Wakefield, died Friday, Oct. 9, 2015.
She was born on Oct. 19, 1917, in Ishpeming, a daughter of John and Hilma (Brown) Ruikka.
On March 21, 1936, Minnie was united in marriage to Einor A. Wertanen in Ironwood.
She worked at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility for 30 years.
Minnie is survived by two sons, Ronald and Alvin (Jane); three daughters, Elaine Fontecchio, Evelyn (Ronald) Lahnala and Sally Minkin; her daughter-in-law, Caroline Wertanen; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Vienna Bersano; and a nephew, Ray Koski.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Einor, on July 12, 1972; a son, Everett; her daughter-in-law, Darlene Wertanen; her son-in-law, Richard Fontecchio; and two brothers, Matt and Leo Ruikka.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9 a.m., at Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, with the Rev. Nancy Kauppi officiating.
Interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.
The family would like to thank everyone at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility for their kindness and care that was given to Minnie.
Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made at lakesidememorialchapel.com.
