Geraldine M. 'Gerry' Hautala

HURLEY, Wis. - Geraldine M. "Gerry" Hautala, 90, former longtime Ironwood Township, Mich. resident, died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, with her loving family by her side.

The former Geraldine Oja was born May 5, 1925, in Ironwood, daughter of the late John and Lempi (Usitalo) Oja, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1943. She worked as a welder in defense plants in Detroit during World War II, then returned to Ironwood, where she sold Avon products and worked at the J.C. Penney Co.

She married Erwin Hautala on Dec. 23, 1945, in Ironwood. Together with Erwin, they owned and operated Hautala's Bar in North Ironwood until Erwin's untimely death on Aug. 2, 1966. Gerry continued to operate the bar for many years until her retirement.

Gerry was a member of the Red Hat Society, TOPS Club for 40 years, Sarah Circle, Airport Extension Group, and the Grand View Hospital Auxiliary. She loved her cottage on Pine Lake and enjoyed her annual trips to Florida with her family. She was a most loving mother, grandmother and friend to all, and was dearly cherished by her family and extended family. She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are two daughters, Janice (Gerald) Olson, Ironwood Township, and Debra (Glen) Wahlberg, Ironwood; five grandchildren, Jyl (Scott) Olson-DeRosso, Ironwood Township, and their children, Scott (Chelsea and kids, Skylor and Ayrianna), Courtney and Zachary (Abbey), Jeffrey Olson, Superior, Christopher (Gina) Hautala, Ironwood, Gregory Wahlberg, Madison, and Meghan Wahlberg, Ironwood; her daughter-in-law, Burda Hautala, Sanford, Fla., and sons, Brandon and BJ Hill (daughter, Myla); sister-in-law, Irene Mildren, Ironwood Township; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Darrell, Sept. 25, 2013; grandson, Dane Wahlberg, in 1979; brother, John Oja; nephew, Terry Oja; and longtime companion, John Negri.

Per Gerry's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Cornerstone Christian Church in Ramsay, Mich., with Pastor Todd Winkler officiating.

Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall upon conclusion of the service.

Committal and interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Online condolences may be expressed at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Gerry's family is forever grateful for the wonderful and loving care given to her by the staff at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center.

"Gram, to the toughest cookie we know! We love you."