Helen Heikkinen Baakko

She was born in Elo, a daughter of the late Axel and Edna (Nevala) Heikkinen. Helen was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Canal View-Houghton County for many years. She enjoyed taking care of the residents.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending their sports and other activities. She was known for her competitive spirit when playing scrabble. Her faith was very important to her. She had a special interest in the Italian Hall Christmas Eve Disaster as her father was a survivor and she lost three uncles. She was a source of information in the making of the documentary, “The 1913 Massacre”, by Ken Ross and Louis V. Galdieri; which tells the story of that tragic incident.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Norman and Paul; sister, Carol; and son-in-law, Jack Poynter.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheri Poynter, Vickie (Dale) Meese; and son, John (Doris); eight grandchildren, Tammi (Joel) Peterson, Kerri (Tim) Sleeman Cheri Lynn (Scott) Lampinen, Jennifer (Mark) Becker, Sara (Larry) Heathman, Johnathon (Carol) Baakko, Staci (Nick) Martineau, and Kristena (John Goodney) Baakko; nine great-grandchildren, Derek (Ashley), Meghan and Brooklyn Peterson, Andrew Lampinen, Reed and Eli Heathman, Giuliette and Olivia Martineau, and Sophia Baakko; sisters, Lillian Kehus, Jean Lehto, Janet (Rob) Olson, Linda (Dale Bagley) Wanhala, and Diane (Lee) Jurva; brothers, Bruce (Helen), Wesley (Anita) and Robert; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2020. The family would like to thank The Canal View-Houghton County for the care of their mother with a special thank you to the nurses and care-givers on the 2nd floor. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice in Helen’s memory. Arrangements are being handled by the Jukuri-Antila Funeral Home of Hancock, Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.