Obituary of Louise L. Heikkila

Louise L. Heikkila, 81, of Superior, formerly of Oulu, Wis. passed away Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Louise was born Dec. 19, 1934, to Hannes "Hans" and Lillian (Maki) Johnson, in Brule, Wis., the youngest daughter of 12 children. As a child, Louise attended the Waino School. While in the 7th grade, she won the Douglas County spelling bee championship. Louise graduated from Northwestern High School and after graduation she studied for a year at Superior State College (UWS) before taking secretarial positions in Madison, Wis. and in Davenport, Iowa. A career in the business community not being to her liking, Louise returned to Superior where in Jan. of 1958, she completed her studies for a career as a teacher. Louise then accepted a position as the fifth grade teacher with the Solon Springs School District and later taught in Waino and Oulu. Louise made the decision to put her teaching career on hold when she met and married Clarence Heikkila, in Nov. of 1959. Louise and Clarence raised three daughters and throughout the years a variety of animals on their farm in Oulu. While raising her family, Louise was active with her children's school and 4-H activities. She was also a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Iron River where she participated in the women's group as well as the church choir. Louise also served on the board for the cooperative in Iron River. While in Oulu, Louise welcomed the weekly sauna guests and opened her home to visiting family members as well as her husband's hunting and fishing partners. Her love of words and of learning was evident in the thousands of books, crossword puzzles and word games she enjoyed throughout her life. She loved her family, cherished her friends and will forever be in the hearts of those she has now left behind. Her family and friends know her life was far beyond what can be conveyed in these few words. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; her parents; sisters, Irene Jarvi, Charlotte Goodman, Mary Jane Johnson, Harriet Rantala; brothers, Floyd, Kenneth, Robert, Roger, Larry and an infant brother. Louise is survived by her daughters, Suzie (Ray) Dean, Lynn (Mike) Kastern, Kari (Troy) Amorde; three grandchildren, Kara Kastern, Christopher Dean, Alyssa Dean; two brothers, Ronald (Gayle) Johnson, Fred (Louise) Johnson; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. And of course, her faithful companion Rocky. Her daughters would like to extend a special thank you to all of Louise's caregivers in these most recent months, and especially to Carol. Gathering of family and friends: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Saturday, Sept. 24th at Peace Lutheran Church in Poplar, Wis. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice in Louise's remembrance.