Ellen Marke

Obituary of Ellen Marke Peoria, IL/Hancock, MI Ellen A. Marke, 91, a former resident of Hancock, passed away on February 6, 2009, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL. In April of 2008, she moved to Illinois, where she was a resident at the Riverview Retirement Community in East Peoria, IL, to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. She was born on March 11, 1917, in Paavola, a daughter of Edward and Anna (Heikkinen) Pyykkonen. As a child, she moved with her family to the Chassell area where she attended the Paradise School and Chassell School. She graduated from Suomi College in 1935. She was united in marriage to Emil Marke on November 12, 1938 and he proceeded her in death on August 12, 1993. Ellen worked at a number of jobs in the area including the Stella Cheese Co., Chassell Motor Co., Stern & Fields, Houghton County Treasurers' Office, L'Anse Motor Co., and Moyer Clinic, primarily as a bookkeeper. She and Emil retired to Atlantic Mine in 1981 where they were members of Our Saviors Church and Grace Lutheran Church. After Emil's death, she moved to Hancock and was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church where she was active with the Quilters of the church and the Suomi Kerho. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, her sister Lillian (Ahola) Sterbis, her brother Paul Pyykkonen, and nephews James Ahola and Gary Pyykkonen. Surviving are: Her son: Dave (Judy) Marke; Her granddaughter: Wendy (Bob) Schade; Her great Grandchildren: Courtney and Caitlyn Schade; Her foster sister Dorothy Miller; Several nieces and nephews Funeral services for Ellen will be held 11 am Monday February 16, 2009, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with Rev. Jimalee Jones to officiate. Friends may call on Sunday February 15, 2009, from 5 to 7 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock and on Monday from 10 am until time of services at the church. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601 or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock, MI, in memory of Ellen Marke. To view Ellen's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Ellen Marke, please visit Tribute Store