Rachel Marie Keranen

She was born in Oskar Michigan on June 18, 1935 to John & Lydia (Rintamaki) Knuuttila. Rachel moved to rural Baraga County at 7 yrs old and attended Pelkie & Baraga schools. She married Arvo Keranen on June 21, 1952. They were married for 61 years.

Rachel was active as a 4-H leader and was a loving foster mother to many newborn babies until their adoption. Rachel loved flower gardening, was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed days at the beach picking agates. She enjoyed baking goodies, making pasties, always had a knitting project in progress and looked forward to outings with the Red Hats.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Arvo, son Jim and daughter-in-law Adrienne.

Survived by son Paul (Karen), daughter Rose, son Phil, daughter-in-law Sue Keranen, brother John (Bernice) Knuuttila along with nephews, nieces, and cousins. Grandsons: Jacob, Timothy, Thomas (Alyssa) and Stephen. Stepgrandcildren: Alicia (Jason) Sorrell, Fawna (Mike) Barnett, Brian (Christy) Baccus, Jennifer (Scott) LaBonte, Erick (Cecelia) Baccus, Josh (Tamera) Perry, Jer (Randi) Perry;

Stepgreat-grandchildren: Ashton, Ronin, Connor, Kaitlyn, Maddie, Hallie, Avery, MacKenzie, Garrett, Kacey, Sam and Sadie. Special people: Eunice Budreau, Jean Grentz, Dan & Bev Schultz, Ruth & Byrd Kramer and Ray Schultz along with many dear friends.

She was a charter member of the Grace Free Lutheran Church of Pelkie where a Celebration of Life will be held on Sept 7, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Dave Hoskins officiating. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Rachel’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.