Lena Kate Sundberg

AHMEEK – Lena Kate Sundberg, 91, a resident of Ahmeek, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2017, at U.P. Health System-Portage in Hancock.

She was born on May 17, 1925, in Ahmeek to John and Anna (Calcio) Vairus. She attended the Ahmeek Schools.

Lena was a good homemaker and loved her family. She was also a good cook and was well known for her roast beef dinners, raviolis, apple bars and an all family favorite, blueberry pie.

Lena worked as a Nurses Aid for 23 years at the Calumet Public Hospital, retiring in 1992. Nursing was her bliss. All of her patients received special care. Over the years she would often be pleased to hear that the patients and their families remembered her care.

She enjoyed crafting. She was especially adept at crocheting and knitting. Up until one week ago, she was still crocheting hand towels. These would become gifts for family and friends. Her works, including these towels, can be found all over the States.

She loved to travel with her husband, Bob and her nursing friends. She would visit her children in California, the East Coast and the Midwest. Lena especially loved family events, picnics and parties.

On June 3, 1944, she married Robert Sundberg and he preceded her in death in June of 2000.

She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and its Ladies Society. She also attended Sacred Heart Church.

Lena is preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna; siblings, Joe Vairus, Mary Waananen, Theresa Kopsi, August Vairus, Christine Stajniger, Frank Vairus, Anna Lee, Dorothy Maninga, Josephine Meneguzzo.

She is survived by her sons, Dennis (Susan) Sundberg of Rabbit Bay and David Sundberg of Ahmeek; daughter, Vicki (Howard) Stender of Algoma, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Matthew, Erin, Lisa (Chaz) Conarroe and Heather; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Paul Manderfield to officiate. Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2017.

A parish prayer vigil will be held at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2017, at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home.

Burial will take place in the spring at Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, friends may send donations in Lena’s name to the Houghton County Medical Care Facility, 1100 West Quincy Street, Hancock, 49930.

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.