Elsie M. Sipponen

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Elsie M. Sipponen, 97, of Ironwood Township, died peacefully Saturday afternoon, Aug. 5, 2017, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood, with her loving family by her side.

The former Elsie Jalonen was born Feb. 10, 1920, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Hjalmer and Fanny (Lantela) Jalonen, attended River Branch School in Kimball, Wis., and graduated from Hurley High School, Hurley, Wis., in 1937.

She was united in marriage to Toivo J. "Tob" Sipponen on July 3, 1940, in Kimball. He preceded her in death on Aug. 10, 2013.

Elsie worked in housekeeping and as a nurses's aide at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield for several years and was employed at Lutey's Flower Shop in Ironwood for many years. She was a member of the National Finnish-American Festival at Little Finland in Hurley and Iron County Senior Citizens. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, polka dancing, bowling and canning in her younger years and was an avid reader.

Surviving are a son, Russell (Donna), Bessemer; daughter, Sheila Konkel (Jay Schneiter), Oconto Falls, Wis .; seven grandchildren, Kerri (Ron) Suliin, Amy Sipponen (Brian Farney), Kristi (Greg) Dean, Robert (Juana) Konkel, Mark Konkel, Steve Konkel (Emily Hull) and Deanna (Scott) VandenLangenberg; 11 great-grandchildren, Zachary, Rylee, Gregory Jr., Ella, Chase, Amber, Nikita, Tasha, Kole, Winfield and Bryce; and nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Elsie was predeceased by her sister, Martha Perkins, on March 27, 2010.

Out of respect for her wishes, cremation has taken place.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Aug. 11, at 1:30 p.m., at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township, with Pastor Bill Jacobson officiating.

Luncheon will follow at Little Finland in Kimball.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be given to Elsie's family online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.