Vieno Stalo

Obituary of Vieno Marie Stalo Vieno M. Stalo HANCOCK?Vieno M. Stalo, 91, of Franklin Street, Hancock, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2006, at the home of her daughter in St. Clair Shores, Mich. She was born on February 24, 1915 in Lake Annie, a daughter of the late Werner and Jennie (Kallio) Maki. She was a honor student graduate of Hancock High School, the class of 1933. She was first married to William Gustafson in 1938 and he preceded her in death in 1943. In 1946, she was married to John Stalo and he preceded her in death in 1973. Vieno's long and productive life was marked by hard work, public service and volunteer service to several organizations. Following high school she worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Hancock She also had several other employers including the Hancock Public Schools. She served as Clerk of Franklin Township for many years, and also worked on Hancock School District Election Boards. For many years, Vieno did volunteer work for the Salvation Army in Hancock. She also helped the Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly in their start-up years in Hancock. Vieno had a variety of interests including working crossword puzzles in the Daily Mining Gazette, crocheting, and baking. She was proud of her Finnish heritage, and she enjoyed visiting relatives during her three visits to Finland. Throughout her life, she displayed "sisu" and she was an inspiration to her children and grandchildren. Church was an important part of Vieno's life. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock. She had been active in old St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hancock?singing in the church choir and as a member of the Ladies Aid Society. Vieno is survived by a daughter, Donna M. Flaherty of St. Clair Shores; a son, David P. (Mary) Gustafson of Winthrop Harbor, Ill.; eight grandchildren: Jane (Gustafson) (James) Kluchka of Winthrop Harbor, Ill.; David P. Gustafson Jr. of Arlington, Va.; Jennifer A. Gustafson of Winthrop Harbor, Ill.; Paul J. (Rita) Gustafson of Kenosha, Wis.; Sara L. Gustafson of Santa Fe, N.M.; William P. (Melissa) Flaherty of St. Clair Shores; Kevin J. (Jill) Flaherty of Grosse Point Farms, Mich.; and Patrick M. (Tiffany) Flaherty of Royal Oak, Mich.; and nine great-grandchildren: Grace and Olivia Kluchka, Alliyah and Brett Gustafson, Allison and Kevin Flaherty, and Brian, Brandon and Justin Flaherty; and her dear friend Peter Sandretto of Hancock. She is also survived by her sisters Esther Kemppainen of Hancock, Martha Pekkala of Hancock, and Irene Hauswirth of Salo; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers John Maki and Waino Maki. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2006, from 2 to 8 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel in Hancock. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2006 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock with Pastor Gerry Sutherton and Rev. Elmer Liimatta to officiate. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts in the memory of Vieno M. Stalo may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock and to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly in Hancock. To send flowers to the family of Vieno Stalo, please visit Tribute Store