Irene L. Byykkonen

Irene was born in Chassell, on January 24, 1931, a daughter of the late William B. Kohtala and Selma (Puumala) Kohtala. Irene was a graduate of the Chassell High School. On February 17, 1951 she married Robert W. Byykkonen in Laurium, MI and has been a resident of Ishpeming for 68 years.

Irene worked at Robbins Flooring Mill, A & P store and retired from Mather Nursing Center in 1984. She was a member of the Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church of Negaunee.

Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Robert Byykkonen of Ishpeming; 3 children – Robbie (Fred) Nault of Skanee, Steven (Diana) Byykkonen and Connie (Bruce) Lawson both of Ishpeming; She is best known as “Gramama” to her 10 Grandchildren – Bobbie Nault, Ricky (Andrea) Nault, Jared (Jessica) Lawson, Derek (Anura) Lawson, Becky (Jason) Gauthier, Megan (Zach) Gauthier, Griffin (Siiri) Lawson, Traci (Steven) Ruspakka, Tara Byykkonen, Selina (Jeremiah) Kwao, 36 great grandchildren. She loved every one of them dearly. One sister Florence Pesola of Dodgeville, numerous nieces and nephews. She was Gramama to all kids’ friends too.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters – Lempi Sarja, Julia Marttila; 5 brothers – Bill, Wesley, Elmer, Ernest and Donald Kohtala.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church, 121 Sunset Dr., Negaunee. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 18th at Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee with Rev. Dale Niskanen officiating. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Interment will take place at the Chassell Cemetery.

Irene’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.