Vera M. Laakko

OBITUARY

Vera Margaret Laakko, age 90, baptized child of God, formerly of Mass City, was called to her Eternal Home on Saturday, July 6, 2002 from Bayside Village in L'anse where she had been a resident since 1997.

She was born June 4, 1912, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Romback) Wentela. Vera was baptized and confirmed in the gift of Faith from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mass City. Vera graduated from a Detroit area High School after completing grades 1 through 11 at the Greenland High School. She took a first aid class to help support the War effort and had dreams of becoming a nurse. Instead, she used her gifts of compassion and healing to take care of her ailing grandmother who was blind and bed ridden for four years. She married Emil Laakko on August 15, 1937 in Detroit where they resided for 11 years and was employed as a nurse's aide in a Doctor's office there. She and Emil returned to Mass City where she resided until 1997. They were life partners for 45 years together. For Vera, the gift of Faith was the foundation for her life and was easily shared with others. This ministry in daily life was lovingly expressed as a devoted mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend. Vera was Godmother to numerous children of the community and always remembered them on their Baptismal birthdays. The whole neighborhood knew that Grandma Vera's door was always open. Many happy memories are shared by the children who loved listening to Grandma read and sing to them and they enjoyed being with her in the kitchen helping to make cookies and cinnamon rolls. Her famous nisu or angel food cake with flowers in the middle, would often accompany her on a visit to a neighbor or someone who was ill. She loved flowers, and in season, had a fresh arrangement on display for all to enjoy. In her later years when she was not able to communicate with people verbally, her infectious smile lifted the spirits of everyone that saw her. Vera was a life long member of St. Paul's Lutheran church in Mass city. She taught Sunday School classes until she was 75. She loved to sing and was a member of the congregation choirs and local vocal groups. The song, "You'll know we are Christians by our Love," and her favorite bible verse, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13, express how she lived her life.

Vera was also a member of the St. Paul's Altar guild, quilters group, Martha circle & the Ladies of Kaleva group, Ainon Tupa # 13, and other community organizations.

She is survived by her three beloved children, Pastor Michael (Denise) Laakko of Pelkie, Sara (James) Hermanson of Birmingham, Mi; and John (Patty) Laakko of Mt. Home Idaho; eight grandchildren, Adam, Anna, Allison, James, Jeffrey (Aya), Steven, Scott (Theresa), Sara Ann, two great grandchildren, Maya & Theron, one nephew, William (Beverly) Laakko, and great nephews and nieces, Keith (Betsy) Laakko & Children, Annelise & William, Wayne Laakko, Liisa and daughter Charlotte Thibideau. Vera's extended family included the Michie's; Jim, Mary, James, Katherine and Emily; Helmi Raaska, Bonnie Liebman (Wentela) & her children, Lee Jr., Tom, Bill & Katie. Her neighbors and friends, Donna and Bob Anttila, the Latvis family; Bill & Betty, the Hermanson family, Denise (Wilcox) & Jack, Geraldine Anttila, Marcy & Ken Roberts, Tina and Ken Raisainen and many other friends who lovingly supported and cared for her over the years.

Vera is preceded in death by her parents, husband Emil in 1983, sister Marie Wentela, Sister-in-law Aina Koski and a grandson Samuel.

The Laakko and Hermanson families wish to thank everyone who loved, cared for, and supported Mom while she was with us.

The order of Christian burial for Vera will held be on Friday, July 12, at 1:00 P.M. from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mass City. The visitation will be on Thursday from 7-9:00 P.M. and 11 - 1:00 P.M., Friday at the Church. Bishop Thomas Skrenes will officiate. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mass City and friends may leave memorial tributes on Laakko's obituary page at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.