Ethel Lohela

She was born on January 12, 1920, in Fulton Location, Allouez Township, daughter of Salomen and Jenny (Haataja) Rintala. The family moved to the Tapiola Road district where Ethel lived most of her life. She attended the John A. Doelle School in Tapiola.

Ethel was first married to Henry John “Kushi” Waltanen who preceded her in death. She later married Bill Lohela who also passed away.

Ethel worked at Cypress Manor as a laundress and retired from there. She enjoyed picking berries and gardening. She also made rag rugs on herloom, crocheted, knitted and sewed quilts which she gave as gifts for family and friends. One of Ethel’s favorite sayings “Imagine that” will bring fond memories of her for many years to come.

Ethel is survived by her children, Alan “Stuey” (Wanda) Waltanen, Melvin “Melu” Waltanen, and Carol (Al) Tudor; 10 grandchildren, Lonita VanDresse, Bradley (Shannon), Alan, Sherri (Bill) Lystila, Frank Bolf, Connie Collazo, Jacqueline Bolf, Lillie (Steve) Marsala, Jeremy Waltanen and Shawn Moody; numerous great-grandchildren; a brother, Wester (Lois) Rintala; sisters, Signe (Eric) Bakkila, Hazel Kilpela and Nora Pantano; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ethel was also preceded in death by two children, Roy Waltanen and Jane LiPuma; three grandchildren, Steven, Renee and Peggy Waltanen; a great-granddaughter, Katie Waltanen; two brothers, Wallace and Richard Rintala; two sisters, Florence Seppala and Verna Alatalo; and a daughter-in-law, Christine Waltanen.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2014, in the Mountain View Cemetery in South Range.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuner.com.