Irma A. Keinonen

Irma A. (Hein) Keinonen, age 91, was called to her heavenly home on Monday, April 23, 2007, after a valiant battle with pneumonia. It was a cloudy day, but when it was time for her to leave, the clouds parted and bright sunlight guided her on her way home.

She was born in Kaukauna on September 21, 1915 to the late Emil and Emma (Schubring) Hein and was a lifelong member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church. She was proud to have worked for many years at the Thilmany Bag Mill during and after World War II. She also worked at Rich’s Bakery in Appleton and at “The Laundry” in Appleton. She was president of Kaukauna’s American Legion Post #41 Auxiliary for several years as well.

On November 11, 1944, she married Toiva “Toby” Keinonen. They had many wonderful years together and shared their love with all who knew them. They were especially wonderful parents and encouraged their children to succeed at whatever they tried. Nothing was impossible for them.

She is survived by her daughters: Kathy Keinonen and Barbara Chosa and her husband Dan; grandchildren: Kelly (Jason) Briesch, Kim Keinonen, Dan Chosa, Jr., Christopher Chosa; a former daughter-in-law: Betty (Doug) Akey; a special family friend Joe Deitz; cousins: Wilma (Robert) Rahn and Mildred (Hein) Galati; and nieces Betty (Stolp) Cerveney and Marie (Keinonen) Paulseth. Irma was preceded in death by her husband Toby in 1981, her son Karl in 1986, sisters Norma, Edna (May), Linda (Stolp); a brother Walter; a brother and sister-in-law Ray (Butch) and Pearl Keinonen; brothers-in-law Henry May and Otto Stolp; a sister-in-law Pearl Hein; nieces Judy (May) Lawley, Karen (May) McArdle, and Mary Lou Stolp; a nephew Henry May, Jr., as well as many good friends and neighbors.

The Christian Funeral for Irma will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 804 Grignon Street in Kaukauna with Rev. Karl Schultz officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

Mom always liked the visits from her grandchildren. They were special occasions for her. Even as they grew up and moved away, in her heart they were always near.

If mom were here, she would also say a special thank you to her grandson, Dan, who came every Monday and made supper and spent the night and next day sharing his time and love with her. We all wanted her to be able to remain at home and this helped immensely. Kathy especially will be forever grateful.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Deb Dennison who was mom’s at-home companion for many months. They shared a special bond and we are all grateful to Deb for taking such good care of mom. Kathy and Barb would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and techs at St. Elizabeth Hospital for their kindness, attention, and compassion. They made mom more comfortable and shared a few laughs and smiles with her. Thanks also to her wonderful neighbors who showed their kindness in many different ways throughout the years.

“This, I will remember when the rest of life is through: The finest thing I’ve ever done is simply loving you.”

FARGO FUNERAL HOMES
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200