Hilkka M. Kaustinen

Hilkka Kaustinen, age 95 of Appleton, passed peacefully on Friday, November 2, 2018 at Peabody Manor in Appleton. Hilkka was born in Finland on July 18, 1923, daughter of the late Pekka and Eva (Wahlman) Lavikainen. She was married to Ola Kaustinen who preceded her in death in 1968. For many years, Hilkka worked as a chemist and an electron microscopist at the Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton. Hilkka was exceptional at knitting, needlepoint and crocheting, making beautiful things over her lifetime. She was also an avid reader and loved to tell others about all the things she has witnessed over her 95 years of life both in Finland and the United States.

She is survived by two daughters: Eva Kaustinen of Minneapolis and Pia (Jeff) Schutt of Wayzata, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Michael (Erin) Schutt, Steven Schutt, and Thomas Schutt; a great-granddaughter: Stella Elizabeth; and a sister: Anneli Heiskanen of Finland. Hilkka was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Columbus, and two sisters.

Family and friends are invited to honor Hilkka at a gathering that will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel – located at 1592 Oneida Street in Appleton.

Rather than sending flowers, the family has asked that memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.