Gertrude Butkonen

Obituary of Gertrude Butkonen Hancock Gertrude Butkonen, 90, a resident of Hancock passed away early Wednesday morning April 29, 2009, at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock, where she had been a resident for the past two weeks. The former Gertrude Pyykkonen was born on February 4, 1919, in Hancock, a daughter of the late Carl and Kate (Niemela) Pyykkonen and was a graduate of the Hancock central High School with the class of 1935. She was employed as a secretary in the office of the Surgeon General in Washington DC during World War II. After her return to the Copper Country she was employed as Executive Secretary in the office of the Dean of Engineering at Michigan Technological University until her retirement in 1983. Her husband Felix preceded her in death in 1967. Also preceding her in death were her brothers John of Roseville and Paul of Little Betsy. Gertrude was a lifelong member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock. Surviving are: Her son John (Renee) Butkonen of Lake Linden Her daughter Sharon (Chuck) Manninen of Hancock Her grandchildren: Kari (Tom Holzberger) Gervais of Lake Linden Eric (Linette) Butkonen of Lake Linden Teri (Ryan) Brady of Traverse City Jeff (Diana Katafias) Manninen of Altoona, WI Her great grandchildren: Brianna & Brett Gervais and Shay Holzberger; Mitchell, Madison and Matthew Butkonen; Kayla, Luke & Mackenzie Brady; and Amanda and Jordan Manninen Her sisters: Anita Henderson of Downey, CA Leona Gustafson of Hancock Her aunt: Ruth Moilanen of Ewen Numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins As requested there will be no visitation or service for Gertrude. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy the family suggests that memorials be given to the Memorial fund at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock. To view Gertrude'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. To send flowers to the family of Gertrude Butkonen, please visit Tribute Store