Elvi H. Kolehmainen

Kolehmainen, Elvi H.
“Grandma Elvi”
Appleton, WI

Formerly of Escanaba, MI, age 97, died on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at Colony Oaks Care Center in Appleton. Elvi was born on October 11, 1910 in Karttula, Finland, the daughter of the late Juho and Johanna (Oksman) Kolehmainen. She moved to the United States in 1963. Elvi was a remarkable woman whose kindness, compassion, dedication to her church, and love for life was evident in all she did. She was a wonderful baker and many will remember her strawberry cakes and cardamom bread which she was proud to share. Her spirit of determination and positive attitude allowed her to withstand the many hardships in her life and she brought joy and happiness to all. Elvi had a special talent for bringing out the best in everyone she met and her spunk, sense of humor and wit remained with her through her final days.

Especially commendable was Elvi's selfless devotion to raising her “boy” and ensuring that his life, and the lives of his children, be filled with love and hope. We will be forever grateful to her and she will be deeply missed.

She will be sadly missed by her son, Kari (Mary) Hannula, Appleton; her grandchildren: Kari Jr. (Krista) Hannula, Green Bay, Tanner Hannula and Amanda, Appleton, Andria Hannula, Neenah, Allison Hannula, Neenah, Meghan Ryba, Janesville, Erin (Jon) Hadley, St. Louis, MO; great-grandchildren: Kaden, Konnor, and Grace. She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings..

A memorial service for Elvi will be held at 3:00 P.M. E.S.T. on Saturday, September 6, 2008, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (3110 Lakeshore Dr. Escanaba, MI). In lieu of flowers, donations in Elvi's name can be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Escanaba or Appleton.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Hospice, and all of Elvi's friends from Kingdom Hall in Escanaba and Appleton for all the loving care that they gave to Grandma Elvi.