Jeanne E. Giackino

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Jeanne E. Giackino, 82, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, March 24, 2021, at her home.

Jeanne was born on Jan. 18, 1939, in Wakefield, the daughter of Waino A. "Wayne" and Lillian M. (Hongisto) Jarvela. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1956.

On her 19th birthday, Jan. 18, 1958, Jeanne was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard L. "Rich" Giackino, in Ramsay.

Jeanne was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, served on the church council, was a supporting member of Peace Circle and sang in the choir. On occasion, she sang at Little Finland Cultural Center in Kimball, Wisconsin.

Jeanne was a waitress at Tara's Family Restaurant in Wakefield, worked for her aunt, Helen Bruno, at Helen's Boutique and Bridal Shoppe in Bessemer, was employed at Indianhead Mountain Ski Resort and enjoyed being a tour guide for Indianhead, especially during the fall color tours. In her free time, she helped her daughter-in-law, Cindy, in the catering business.

Several of Jeanne and Rich's favorite pastimes were country dancing, socializing at the local restaurants, hunting and fishing. She was an avid reader and spent hours working jigsaw puzzles.

Jeanne is survived by four sons, Rick (Cindy) and Rob (Gail), both of Wakefield, Randy (Christie), Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, and Rod (Tammy), Ironwood; five cherished grandchildren; 11 dear great-grandchildren; three brothers, Rodney (Kate) Jarvela, Portland, Oregon, Nicholas (Juleanne) Jarvela, Ashland, Wisconsin, and Jerrold (Donna) Jarvela, Perrysburg, Ohio; two brothers-in-law, Dennis (Marilyn) Giackino, Weston, Wisconsin, and Lou (Kelly) Giackino, Ironwood; her sister-in-law, Jean (Jack) Rigoni, Ironwood; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; other loving relatives; and many special friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Waino, on June 28, 1966; her mother, Lillian Kirchner, on Feb. 24, 2009; her husband, Richard, on Dec. 8, 2018; a son, Ronald Louis, on March 25, 1969; and a grandson, Dixon Lee, on June 20, 2009.

Due to COVID-19 and government regulations, mask, group capacity and distancing guidelines must be practiced. A private memorial service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Sue Johnson officiating.

A committal service and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, at a later date.

Jerald J. Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.