Joan Heikkila

She was born on December 21, 1944, in Laurium to John and Eleanor (Puhek) Buckett.

She attended the local schools and graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1962.

Following high school, Joan went to work in Washington D.C. for the FBI for a short time before returning to the Copper Country.

While working in Eagle Harbor, Joan met the love of her life, James. They were united in marriage in 1964 in Calumet.

Once returning to the Copper Country, Joan started working as the secretary for Michigan Tech University in their athletic department.

Joan loved to plant and farm on hers and Jim’s hobby farm.

She was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Calumet. She was very active in her church. She taught Sunday school for 27 years, and was a member of the Women’s Round Table, Mohawk Park Committee and was very active with the Music in the Park in Mohawk as well.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Eleanor; two brother-in-laws, Dave Ahonen and Rolf Leary, and her niece Jona Ahonen.

She is survived by her husband, James of Fulton; children, Mathew (Denise) Heikkila of Calumet, Mark (Sherry) Heikkila of Novi, Karl Heikkila of Mohawk, Sara Heikkila of Ahmeek; three grandchildren, Kelly, Megan, and Dana; siblings, Mary Ahonen of Big Traverse, Barbara Leary of St. Paul, Minnesota, John (Mary Jo) Buckett of Marquette, Laura Moore of Laurium, Tom (Marie) Buckett of Sedar Bay, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home on Thursday, October 9, 2021, at 6 p.m. with Nancy Auer to officiate.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, October 9, 2021, from 4 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers donations could be made to Omega House, Houghton, Michigan.

Online condolences for the family may be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.