Nancy Lohela (Makela)

Obituary of Nancy Jane Lohela Hancock Canal Nancy J. (William) Lohela, 76, of the Hancock Canal died peacefully at the Omega House in Houghton on February 20, 2012, where she was a patient for the past three weeks. She was born on April 28, 1935, in Hancock, a daughter of the late Yalmer and Hilda (Sinkonen) Makela. Nancy was a graduate of the Hancock High School with the class in 1953. Following graduation, she worked at Lieblein Wholesale in Hancock until her marriage to RA Koski in November 1956. RA was a jet Fighter Pilot in the US Air Force and whose assignments took him to many different bases. One such assignment was to England where Nancy lived for three years. It gave her opportunity to travel several times to Germany and other countries. She was also a very avid bowler. Nan bowled in numerous leagues in England and here in the states and won many trophies. Nancy was a cheerful, fun loving person who loved to entertain in her younger years. She was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and couldn't wait for each season to begin. She also loved to dance, especially the polka. She was a former 25 year member of the Runeberg Lodge #8 of Dollar Bay. Nancy was employed by Yalmer Mattila Contracting of Houghton, retiring in 1997 after 27 years of dedicated service. Not only was she secretary/receptionist, her work involved making complicated reports, and keeping records without the aid of the computer, plus many other duties. She especially enjoyed working with the old office crew. Nan married William "Bill" Lohela on September 22, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada and celebrated 27 happy years together this past September during a trip to Montana. They first made their home in Dollar Bay and then moved to the cottage on the Hancock Canal where she enjoyed each morning gazing at the water with a cup of coffee. Throughout the years Nan loved to travel. She made sure Bill would take her on a trip once or twice a year. She and Bill went to Finland, Newfoundland, Hawaii, and to many different areas from Maine to California. Branson, MO was on the "must go" list every spring. She really enjoyed the shows there. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Raymond, Robert (Barbara) Makela and her sister Charlotte. Surviving are: Her husband: William Lohela of the Hancock Canal Numerous cousins A memorial service for Nan will be held 11 am Saturday February 25, 2012, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with L.L.M. Clay Hilman to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock. Friends may call on Saturday February 25, 2012, from 10 am until time of services at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be given to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or the Omega House or the charity of one's choice. To view Nan'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 Nancy Lohela, please visit Tribute Store