Laina M. Partanen
Negaunee
Laina Marie Partanen, age 91, of Negaunee, passed away peacefully in the care of her loving family and Lake Superior Hospice at Teal Lake Senior Living Community on Saturday, October 1st, 2016 where she had resided for the past year.
Laina was born April 21, 1925 on the family farm in Covington to Henry and Josephiina (Helberg) Franti and graduated from L’Anse High School, Class of 1943. She was proud of the fact that she had to milk two cows before going to school each morning. Following graduation, Laina worked as a waitress at the American Café and as a seamstrees at the H.W.Gossard Co. in Ishpeming. While waitressing, she met the “love of her life”, Wilho Partanen, and they were united in marriage June 24th, 1944 in Ishpeming. A special memory was their “Mid Summers” wedding reception on the family farm.
Laina was a devoted homemaker, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. In honor of her 80th birthday she was given a special clock in appreciation of the countless hours she devoted to her family.
Mrs. Partanen was a devout member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she was active in the church choir, taught Sunday School and was a proud member of the “Finnish speaking” Mary Circle. Laina is remembered as the perfect Saturday Night Sauna Hostess where her wonderful baked goods were served.
Surviving are her children: Kathryn (Albert) Sundine of Negaunee; Kristine (Terry) Hill-Alderton of San Tan Valley, AZ and Ishpeming; Dennis (Kathleen) Partanen of Negaunee; Kay (David) Korpi of Negaunee; eight loving grandchildren: Scott Hill, Heidi (Jeff) Sauer, Laurie (Ben) Lunstad, Erik (Sarah) Sundine, Amanda (DJ) Rasner, Davin (Kari) Partanen, Ryan (Annette) Gleason, and Taryn (Kamil Nerwuca) Gleason; 20 precious great-grandchildren: Alex Hill, Keale, Kaija & Karsen Sauer, Anna & Tor Lunstad, Jakob & Matteus Sundine, Dietrich, Solomon, Reuben & Evie Rasner, Alex, Seija & Hanna Partanen, Anthony, Parker, Brayden and Bryant Gleason, and Harper Nerwuca; her dear sister, Aileen Johnson; and several nieces and nephews. Laina is also survived by her special buddy Tyler, her little dog. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Wilho on February 7, 2001; her dear sister Elsie Kantola who also resided with her at Teal Lake Living Community; five brothers: Walfred, Waino, William, Toivo and Victor; and four sisters:, Ida, Senia, Martha and Esther.
Laina’s family extends a special thank you to the loving and committed staff at Brookridge Assisted Living (Memory Care), Teal Lake Senior Living Community and Lake Superior Hospice. Her family felt she was given the gift of additional years because of their compassionate and exceptional care. Laina was a proud suomalainen tytto with definite SISU! We will miss her pleasant demeanor and lovely smile.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 8th at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Marcia Solberg officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until the time of services at 1:00 pm at the church on Saturday, and also at a luncheon in the church fellowship hall immediately following services. Laina’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in her memory to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
Mrs. Partanen’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.

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