Elaine Porkka

Elaine was the oldest of eight siblings, a role she quickly exceled at. Growing up in the era of the Great Depression, she learned that a strong work ethic, a kind heart, and the joy that comes with being true to your Christian faith were the ways to a successful life here on earth. Those leadership qualities she developed at such a young age continued to guide her through her life as she became a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She married Raymond Porkka and together they build a successful family farm that continues to thrive yet today, under the direction of her oldest son, Bruce. The Porkka farm became a staple of life and all who knew it, loved it out on the farm. She spoiled her family not with frivolous toys, expensive vacations, or luxury cars; she filled them with the knowledge, skills and determination necessary to obtain those things on their own, should they choose to.

If you ever visited the farm, you knew your mornings would be filled with the smell of fresh baked bread, maybe nisu (if you were really going to work hard that day) and likely some strong coffee to get you through whatever was to lie ahead. She taught us to do things right, and do them right the first time. Scrubbing the floors was done on your hands and knees with a rag, linens changed weekly on the dot, clothes washed then hung outside on the clothesline to dry, weed the garden and pick any rocks out of the soil, do it and do it smiling while singing your or her favorite church hymn- which was usually “This little light of mine.” Afternoons often meant baking cookies and making fresh lemonade for the workers out in the fields, and you didn’t just prepare the foods, you were to deliver them to wherever they were working. As evening approached the sauna was filled with fresh firewood, towels and soaps. The kitchen was prepared for an evening around the dining room table telling stories of old and new. Guests were always invited and welcomed. I do not think any kitchen in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has seen more nights filled with laughter and joy than the evenings spent at the Porkka farm while enjoying coffee, cookies and a tall glass of Vernors pop.

A rare weekend off usually meant a trip up to Copper Harbor for berry picking and picking agates along the shores of Lake Superior, or perhaps a trip to McLain State Park with some homemade sandwiches or a cold pasty. Her vacations were spent traveling to see family members, as she loved to travel down to the Lansing area to see her daughter, Karen and grandchildren there. She also enjoyed trips to see her son Leo and his family in New York and then in Illinois. Her son John and his family had the pleasure of living across the street from the farm. They spent many weekends traveling throughout the Upper Peninsula in search of agates, reminiscing about the times in the Gratiot location with a trip to the Calumet area, or perhaps just a quick dip down at the breakers because there was work to do.

The Porkka farm was always open for guests as well, whether you needed a getaway and time to get yourself back on the right path, or you were looking to spend some time hearing some wonderful stories while piling some haybales, wood blocks or baking some fresh Nisu, the door was open and a room was ready for you. There was no charge, you just had to be sure to bring your work clothes for Monday-Saturday and your church clothes for Sunday. Her work ethic, fierce determination and kind heart will forever live on in those who were fortunate enough to spend so much of our earthly time with her. May we all continue to lead our lives as leaders who exemplify the role, as she did, as we wait for our time to meet up with her again in our heavenly home.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Einard and Sophia Ollila; husband, Raymond Porkka; grandson, Forrest Porkka; son-in-law, Paul Downes; and several siblings. Left on Earth to cherish her memory are her children, Bruce Porkka, John (Carole) Porkka, Leo (Holly) Porkka, and Karen Downes; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; and brothers, Earl (Linda) Ollila and Les (Charlene) Ollila.

A special thank you is given to Hazel Findlay Country Manor and Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care they showed Elaine.

The Funeral Service honoring Elaine will be officiated by her brother, Pastor Les Ollila at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m., until the time of the service at the funeral chapel. Interment will be in Liminga Cemetery, Houghton. Those wishing may make contributions to Hazel Findlay Country Manor, 1101 South Scott Road, St Johns, MI 48879 in memory of Elaine. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes .com.