Phyllis Marie Kivi

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Phyllis Marie Kivi, age 88, of Ironwood, was called Home to be with her Savior on March 2, 2018.

Phyllis was born on July 21, 1929, in Park Falls, Wis., to Anton and Anna (Pudlowski) Hodun. Following her graduation from high school, Phyllis worked as a long distance operator for the AT&T telephone company in Chicago, Ill. She then met and married George Kivi. They moved to Ironwood Township, where they raised their family together until Sept. 1, 1988, when her husband, George, passed away.

Phyllis was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She served as the chairman of the Altar Guild until her health began to fail. As a serving group chairman, she called members to assist with setting up and food preparation at many church functions, as well as being an active member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She was a woman of strong faith and a true servant of God.

She loved her family with all her heart, always having a hot meal ready on the weekends. We especially remember her gift boxes of homemade Christmas cookies that she made for her family every year. While raising her children, she never missed the opportunity to attend school events. She especially loved her grandchildren, spending time with them whenever possible.

She was a very giving and gentle person who served as a caregiver for many family members in need over the years. Phyllis lived a simple life and never complained about life's ups and downs. She enjoyed reading and listening to music.

Phyllis will be sadly missed by her children: Ginger (Forrest) Kivisto, George Kivi, Ken Kivi (Beth Turonie and Rick), all of Ironwood, Mary Kay Kivi, of Wakefield, Scott (Dee) Kivi, of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren: Corey (Melissa) Kivisto, Krystal (Nick) Averitt, Patrick (Pamela) Goetz, Joshua Kivi; great-grandchildren Isiah and Charlee Kivisto, Marshall and Louis Averitt, Sophia, Devin and Garrison Goetz, as well as many other relatives and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Helen Weir, of Lake in the Hills, Ill., and a sister-in-law, Mary Hodun, of Park Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bill and Ed Hodun, her husband, George Kivi, and one grand-daughter, Stacey Kivisto.

Visitation for Phyllis will be Monday, March 12, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, E5104 Margaret St., in Ironwood. There will be a memorial service for Phyllis at Trinity Lutheran Church on Monday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Kurt Brandon officiating.

We extend a special thank you to Dr. Chris Pogliano and Eve Komosa, all of the staff of Westgate Living Center, our church family who visited and supported us and Mom over the years, and a special thank you to Pastor Kurt for reminding us that "Heaven is our Home." We have all been truly blessed.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family.

For more information or to express a condolence, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.