Minnie A. Synkelma

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Minnie A. Synkelma, 103, of Ironwood, passed away on Dec. 4, 2020, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

She was born Oct. 21, 1917, in Bessemer Township, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Pellikka) Kujala. She attended Puritan School in Bessemer Township.

Minnie was married to John Synkelma on Oct. 6, 1937, in Bessemer by the Rev. Frank E.W. Kastman. He preceded her in death on Oct. 9, 1956.

She was employed at several local restaurants as a waitress, as well as Sears Roebuck, Davey's Motel and retired from the Gogebic Adult Activity Center.

Minnie was a member of the Finnish American Women and the Stroke Support Group. She enjoyed knitting, quilting, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, cooking, and baking. She also enjoyed going out to Lake Superior and feeding the birds.

Minnie is survived by her daughter-in-law, Charlene Synkelma of Ironwood; grandchildren, Robin (Jeff) Johnson of Washburn, Wisconsin, Kim (Scott) Jaeger of Ironwood and Terry Synkelma of Ironwood; great-grandchildren, Dana (John) Welch of Marshfield, Wisconsin, Christopher Johnson of Washburn, Wisconsin, and Alyssa (Chris) Hahn of Merrill, Wisconsin; various nieces and nephews; and special friends, Patricia and Ray Begalle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Anna Kujala; husband, John; son, Robert "Red" Synkelma; great-grandson, Ryan Johnson; and sister, Iria Luoma.

The family would like to give special thanks for the care given to Minnie at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home to honor Minnie's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

"Tho I'm leaving friends and those I adore

I'm excited to join those who've gone before,

My life's been good so don't feel sad

I'm in Heaven now . . . please be glad!"