Charles Henry Heikkinen

CALUMET — Charles Henry Heikkinen, 87, a resident of Calumet, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 18, 2016, at the Delaware House in Portage Pointe.

He was born on September 16, 1929, in Traprock Valley to Henry and Johanna (Takela) Heikkinen. Charles attended the Traprock Valley Schools and Lake Linden High School.

He worked in the mines at Calumet & Hecla Mining Company as a borer for 20 years.

He was a volunteer EMT/Paramedic with Mercy Ambulance, he was part of the first class Dr. Gilbert taught for the State of Michigan. He also worked at Michigan Tech for 20 years as an upholsterer.

Charles grew up on the family farm and enjoyed gardening, bowling and cross-country skiing. He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events and activities. He was a wonderful role model for all who knew him.  He loved to spend time with his grandchildren.

On July 31, 1954, he married Althea Rowe at the Laurium Methodist Church.

He was an active member of the Calumet United Methodist Church, Calumet Elks Club No. 404, and a trustee for Coppertown Museum.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Johanna; wife, Althea; grandson, Casey; sisters, Lillian, Martha, Bernice “June” and Ruth.

He is survived by his sons, Mark Heikkinen (Nancy Gauthier) of Calumet, Chris (Jackie) Heikkinen of Hancock; daughter, Cheri (Dennis) Raasio of Hancock; grandchildren, Amanda (Jason) VanHoey, Erin (Ryan) Galerneau, Kelsey Heikkinen, Hayden and Hannah Heikkinen and Jonesta Schultz Heikkinen; great-grandchildren, Adam, Brendan, Eli, Lilly, Laylah, Sonja, and Aili; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 12 p.m. at the Calumet United Methodist Church with Pastor Jayme Palaszeski to officiate. Friends may call at the Calumet United Methodist Church on Thursday, December 22, 2016, from 10 a.m. to until the time of the service.

Spring burial will take place at the Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.

Online condolences for the family may be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.