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Elsie E. Autio

ELO – Elsie E. Autio, 92, of Elo, died Friday, January 1, 2016, at the PortagePointe in Hancock, Michigan, where she had been a resident for two months.

She was born on December 27, 1923, in Tapiola, to John and Senia (Niemi) Heikkinen. Elsie graduated from the John A. Doelle High School in 1943.

On October 10, 1944, she married Arno A. Autio while he was serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He preceded her in death in 1989.

Elsie retired from the Houghton County Medical Care Facility as a CNA in 1989. Elsie enjoyed doing yard work and mowing her expansive lawn, until the age of 91, where she lived for 67 years in Elo.

In her younger days, she was an avid bowler and often had the league’s highest scoring average. She was a dedicated follower of basketball. Elsie especially enjoyed spending time with her great-grandaughters.

Elsie is survived by a daughter, Diane Autio of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; son, Kenneth Autio of Chassell; grandsons, Garrett Johnson of Hancock and Shawn (Tuula) Autio of Marquette; great-granddaughters, Kyra and Brynn Autio; and several cousins.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda (William) Johnson; brothers, Karlo, Werner and George Heikkinen; sisters, Bertha (William) Forslund and Elvi (Gordon) Hanka.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at PortagePointe for the wonderful care given to Elsie.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016, at Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie, with Pastor John Autio to officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday in the church. Interment will be in the spring at the Elo Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.