Helene Rautanen

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Helene Rautanen, 92, of Wakefield, formerly of Bergland, passed away at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility on Aug. 6, 2019, surrounded by her close friends.

She was born on Dec. 24, 1926, in Breslau Salasia Germany to the late Ernest and Irmgard (Kube) Knebel.

On June 5, 1952, Helene Knebel married Armas Rautanen in Homberg, Germany. He preceded her in death on June 28, 2011, in Ironwood.

Helene was a member of the Lake Gogebic Senior Recreation Club in Bergland and a member of the Ruth Society at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland of which she was a devoted member.

She is survived by her family in Germany; nephew, Dieter (Ingrid) Koffinke; niece, Raenata (Michael) Themann; great-nephew, Michael (Renee) Koffinke and their child Silvere; great-niece, Sabine Koffinke and her partner Uwe Kaiser; great-niece, Julia (Daniel) Bayerl and their children Ellie and Jannis; great-nephew, Alexander (Beate) Themann and their child Adrian; great-nephew, Oliver (Esther) Themann and his children Selma and Paula.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Martha Koffinke; and brother-in-law, Heinz Koffinke.

Cremation has taken place at Range Crematory in Hurley.

A memorial service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland on Monday, August 19, at 11 a.m. EDT with luncheon to follow. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. EDT until the time of the service. The Rev. Timothy Steckling will officiate.

Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Bergland.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. For more information or to express online condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.