Wilbert Leppanen

Obituary of Wilbert Leppanen Winona Wilbert Leppanen, 82, of Winona passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2010, at Marquette General Hospital surrounded by his family. He had been a patient for a day. He was born on June 10, 1928, in Winona, MI, the son of the late Matti and Helmi (Makiaho) Leppanen. Wilbert was a graduate of the Winona High School, class of 1945. He was a veteran who served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War. Following school, Wilbert worked for the railroad until 1966. He then worked as a heavy equipment operator for various contractors until his retirement in 1990. Wilbert was united in marriage to his life-long love and companion, Joyce Coffey, of Greenland, in 1955. Together they raised 7 children: Susan Orean of FL, Billy (Dana) of MN, Judy (Michael Welch) of FL, Kathy (Rick Millspaugh) of FL, Patti (Bill Witt) of Bruce Crossing, MI, Laurie (Jerry Hiltunen) of Paavola, MI, and Greg of FL. He has 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. His sister, Flora Knudson, is a resident patient at Portage Pointe in Hancock. He has numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, here and in Finland. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Brynolf, and his sisters Voila Peterson and Tynne, as a child. Wilbert served his community for over 50 years. He was the president of the school board, township supervisor, and a member of the Twin Lakes Fire Dept. which he, along with other community members, were instrumental in starting. He worked tirelessly on building and remodeling the First Lutheran of Winona of which he was a life-long member and a member of the council. Wilbert was a talented musician with a great sense of humor and loved living in the community he helped create. He was a devoted husband and an amazing Dad, Grandpa (Papa), brother and uncle. He adored his family and they adored him. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services for Wilbert will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 1020, at the First Lutheran Church of Winona. Friends may call from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. at the memorial Chapel Funeral home of Hancock and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. To view Wilbert's obituary or to send a condolence 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 Wilbert Leppanen, please visit Tribute Store