Arlene Lineweaver

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Arlene Lineweaver, 84, joined the choir of angels on Jan. 19, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 24, 1937, in Pelkie, the daughter of Waino and Emma (Pietila) Moilanen. Her family relocated to Southfield, where she was in the first graduating class of Southfield High School. Shortly after graduation, she enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from which she was honorably discharged.

Arlene returned to the Copper Country in the Upper Peninsula in 1966. Through her years there she worked for Montgomery Ward, Calumet and Hecla Mining Company, Wisti & Jaaskelainen Law Firm, Calumet Public Hospital, and the Calumet Public Schools. She moved to Ironwood in 1987 to be closer to her grandchildren. During that time, she worked for Dennis Cossi and Rudy Perhalla in their law offices, retiring in 2002.

She was a woman of many talents including sewing, painting, knitting, crocheting and gardening. She shared her musical talent with the Range Community Chorus, Our Lady of Peace Mixed Choir, Family Time music ministry at Our Lady of Peace, and several theatrical productions with both theater groups.

Her greatest love was her family and spending time with them all. Her faith gave her strength. She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood.

Arlene is survived by her daughters, Joy (Steve) Karasti and Judy (Greg) Switek; grandchildren, Ryan Maki, Allyson Conhartoski and Jarrett (Victoria) Stauch; great-grandchildren, Rylan, Aydan, Sierra, Edvin and Evalynn; sister-in-law, Norma Osterman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Waino and Emma Moilanen; her son, Ken; siblings, Wesley in infancy, Lorraine (Larry) Karttunen, Verna (Gordon) Lehtola, Willard (Pat) Moilanen, Helen (Harry) Francisco, Dolly (Gordon) Nordstrom and Robert Moilanen; brother-in-law, Richard Pietila; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, Wisconsin, for all of the loving care they gave for the last 10 months of her life, as well as the staff of Aspirus Ironwood Hospital for her care in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Historic Ironwood Theatre, Theatre North, HOPE Animal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 4, at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood at 11 a.m. with Deacon Bob Hamen officiating, preceded by a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

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