George Leinonen

Obituary of George Leinonen Hancock George E. Leinonen Sr., 94, a former resident of Hancock passed away Wednesday March 21, 2012, at the Franklin House of Portage Pointe in Hancock where he had been a resident patient since December.He was born on November 1, 1917, in Calumet, a son of the late Matthew and Anna (Ruuhinen) Leinonen. At an early age he moved with his family to the Hancock Canal where he attended the local school.George quit school at an early age to help work the family farm before joining the United States Army which he served during World War II.On December 14, 1940, he was united in marriage to the former Gladys Witte. The couple made their home in Hancock and this past December celebrated their 71st anniversary.Mr. Leinonen was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock. George was an electrician by trait, working for Dingle Clark during the construction of the White Pine Copper mine and then for Coon Electric until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #19. In his retirement he enjoyed fishing.Preceding him in death were his parents, his sisters Helmi, Siama, and Effie, and his brothers William, Arne, and John.Surviving are: His wife: Gladys Leinonen a resident patient of Franklin House of Portage PointeHis children: George (Charlotte) Leinonen of Clarkston, MI Jean (Don) Hiltunen of Hancock His grandchildren: Amy, Jodi, Chad & Cory5 great granddaughtersSeveral nieces, nephews, and cousinsAs requested, a private service for George will be held at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock with Rev. Peter Vorhes to officiate. Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock.In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be given to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in memory of George E. Leinonen Sr.To view George's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.Service Information To send flowers to the family of George Leinonen, please visit Tribute Store