Gertrude L (Byykkonen) Makela

Gertrude Loraine Makela, age 88 of Pelkie, MI passed away on Saturday, August 6th, 2016 at Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock, MI.

She was born December 9, 1927 in Trimountain, MI daughter of Abel and Lillian (Moilanen) Byykkonen. Gertrude was a homemaker and raised her 9 children. In 1982 she received her high school diploma from L’Anse High School and her nurse aide certificate. Gertrude worked for Janus Home Healthcare for many years and was honored as employee of the year.

She was also very active at Mission United Lutheran Church all her life, participating in worship services and in volunteer work. Her hobbies include gardening, canning, sewing, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and cooking.

Surviving are her children, Jan (Cadeau) Mattson of Yuma, AZ, Joe (Linda) Cadeau of Diorite, MI, Philip (Joy) Cadeau of Alston, MI, Lisa Makela of Yuma, AZ, Sarah (Mark) Hiltunen of Alston, MI, Margie Makela of Pelkie, MI, Erick (Jaime) Makela of Houghton Lake, MI; brothers, Donald (Verna) Byykkonen of Brainerd, MN, Robert (Irene) Byykkonen of Ishpeming, MI, David (Agnes) Pyykkonen of Houghton, MI, Bruce (Katie) Pyykkonen of Hancock, MI; 24 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husbands, Adolphus Cadeau and Raymond Makela; 3 children, Mary Ellen Makela, Kathy (Cadeau, Francois) Huhta, Michael Cadeau; sister, Eva (Byykkonen) Kohtala; brother Roy Byykkonen; and one great grandson, Justin (Mattson) Andrewski.

Gertrude’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 10th at 11:00 a.m. at the Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie with Rev. John Autio officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon and fellowship will follow in the church hall. Burial will be in the Pelkie Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Gertrude’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com .