Kenneth A. Hanninen

Houghton

Kenneth A. Hanninen, 93, a former resident at the Bluffs Senior Living Community in Houghton, MI, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026,at the Omega House.

He was born on March 11, 1933, in Duluth, MN to Esther (Hanninen) Harju. Ken was raised by his grandparents, Andrew and Sophie Hyry, on a farm near Menahga, MN. He became a part of their wonderful extended family, who all preceded him in death.

In 1950, Ken graduated from Cloquet High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. After being discharged from service in 1954, he attended the University of Minnesota. He was a high school teacher before completing his doctorate and becoming a special education professor at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, preparing teachers of the blind.

In 1956, he married Sylvia Moilanen. They raised their family in Detroit. During retirement, they settled in Houghton, MI to spend time with family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his mother, Esther (Hanninen) Harju and stepfather, Elmer Harju.

Surviving are: His wife, Sylvia Hanninen of Houghton; His children, Lori (John) Rothenberg, Brian, and Lynn (Ross) Jarvi; His grandchildren: Drew (Laura Escobar) Rothenberg, Kevin Rothenberg, Emily (Nathan) Karlsrud, Jared (Emily) Jarvi, Amanda (Brad) Juntunen, and Anna Jarvi (Peter Lafreniere); His great grandchildren: Ben, Justin, Elsie, and Rio.

A funeral service for Kenneth will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church of South Range, with Pastor Ernest Bylkas III to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.

Friends may call on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 pm until time of services at the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorial donations be given to the Omega House in Houghton, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931, or Range Apostolic Lutheran Church, 11 Whealkate Ave., South Range, MI 49963

To view Kenneth’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.