Betty Lou Pelkola

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Betty Lou Pelkola, 93, passed away on Aug. 2, 2021, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community due to complications from a stroke.

Betty was born in Ironwood on June 26, 1928, the daughter of George and Mary (Danowski) Segerlind.

She was a lifetime resident of Ironwood. She attended Central Grade School and Luther L. Wright High School, graduating with the class of 1946. After graduation, she became a telephone operator with Bell Telephone.

During that time, she met the love of her life, Edward Pelkola. They were married on April 29, 1950, and made their home in Ironwood, raising three children. Edward preceded her in death on June 13, 1980.

Betty was a very independent woman and, to her credit, learned how to drive in her mid-50s. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, flower arranging, reading, watching her favorite shows on TV and playing games with her family.

She is survived by her children, sons, Ron (Kim) and Don Pelkola; daughter, Jan (Richard Holm) Cecil; grandchildren, Greg (Shell Gardner) Pelkola, Landon Pelkola and Cameron (Kimberley Keyser) Cecil; and four great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Westgate for the wonderful care shown to Betty.

Betty was a lifetime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. Cremation has taken place. A private Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Binu Joseph officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

Jerald 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.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of all the Faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.