At the end of each month we bring a memorial tribute. You are always welcome to add to the list:

Wasn't there a V.I.P. from Finnland at the Finnish Collage in Hancock last week? With all the Finn's on this site, haven't heard a thing.... Just wondering...

Finnish President Tarja Halonen gave the commencement address at Finlandia University. For the whole story, see Leader Speaks at Finlandia.

Charlie:
I'd like to add my mother-in-law Mrs. Elizabeth McCarthy to the memorial list. She was 86 when she passed away on Good Friday. Even though her health had been failing for the past couple of years, she never lost her sweet smile and kind nature. She will be missed by those of us who were blessed to know her, but her spirit lives on through her children and grandchildren...

Elizabeth A. Richards, April 26, 2003.
With love from her cousins...

My mother, Anna (Hungala) Israelson, who passed away at age 92 on April 16, 1999. She grew up in Ripley and taught for 10 years at Pewabic School.

James Luster, April 16, 2003
Missed by all his friends.

For all those young American and English soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq. God bless them and their families. May we never forget their courage and sacrifice so we can live free.

Also let us not forget those who gave their lives in Afghanistan this past month. Our young men and women stand ready around the world to put themselves in harms way to keep all Americans free.

Amen, Pat

David Lepisto, April 23, 2003.
A great dad and grandfather. Always there with a helping hand, or a backhoe. To his nephews, a hero riding a big horse.

I'd like to add two names. The first is my grandmother Jane Goniea who died sometime last night (I just got the call from my dad this morning). She was 90 years old and had been in poor health for quite some time. I was actually relieved for her because her suffering was over.

The second name is our cat Abigail Goniea who died the night before at the too young age of 14. I know pets arent usually added here, but she brought a lot of joy and comfort into our lives. My wife and I miss her terribly.

Ida Menard (nee Maki) passed away in April 2003 at the age of 93 - last of the Maki family from Copper City - Lived on Senica Street years ago. Wonderful mother, sister, aunt and friend with lots of SISU!

This is to remember our special companion and friend Roscoe. He loved to go to the UP with us, especially Eagle Harbor. He loved to walk along the lake and sniff the air. He is sadly missed by my husband and myself, but we know he's young and happy again, running along another shore.

Also, a special prayer and remembrance to all who have been lost in the conflict in Iraq. God's solace to all who are left behind.

Susan Simpson
Robert Simpson
Suzanne Spruytte
Joe Berry
John, "Mr Bud" Vargo

A dear lady from our church Pearl Tucker, and my former boss Noel "Cris" Janney passed within this last week.

In memory of Ralph Geshel, George and Mayme Geshel, Rudolph J. Geshel, Virgil Geshel, Patricia Geshel, Mayme, Margaret, Eleanor,George Jr., and Christina Geshel. Irving and Florida Dulong, Walter and Norma Dulong, Reuben and Val Dulong, Eugene and Dorothy and Alan Desjardin. Please say a prayer for these wonderful people who are no longer with us but are truly in out heart and memories forever. Also for Nelda and Ruth Wakeham and Kenny Kus. God Bless all the souls that perished in Iraq and Afganistan.And pray for the families that are left in sorrow.

Julias Moyski, April 28, 2003 who dearly loved another big lake from his resort on the West shore of Lake Huron new Greenbush Michigan. I'm sure that he enjoyed many sunrise versions of the beautiful skyline view posted today. He will be fondly remembered and missed by family and friends.

Last night I was reading "Firestorm at Peshtigo," a recent book about the devastating fire that hit Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and a large surrounding area in October 1871--the same day as the Chicago Fire. We drive through Peshtigo on our way to the U.P., and the story of this fire is chilling. Thousands of lives were lost and billions of trees burned. I'd like to add a remembrance to all those lost in the Peshtigo fire and thank God for the rain we are receiving today! There is also a book called "Fire at Peshtigo" written in the 1960s. As for Toivo not showing up at Stone Mountain, well... has anyone seen him anywhere yet?

Notes about Toivo have been moved to a separate sub-topic, which will allow this page to remain dedicated to memorial postings. Thanks.

In memory of Basil Cusma, who died following a successful day of fishing. As he was a structural engineer for Soo Line many of you may have crossed over (by train) or driven by bridges he designed throughout the upper Midwest. A real nice guy - and lifelong love of one of my good friends, Pat. Also, Linda Timan of Ironwood who just departed this earth last week. May they rest in peace and know that their loved ones are being held in prayer.

In memory of our mother, Nancy Kingston Jacka who passed away 8 years ago on the 2nd of May.

I want to add our wonderful mother, Catherine E. Allen, who passed away on April 7th. Her family misses her so much.

Barbara Morin, John Allen, Kathleen Dorvinen and Stephen Allen.

I would like to add my father, Robert (Bob) Sovoda of Allen Park, MI who passed away on April 4th this month. Though he never made it to the UP very much he was familiar with its beauty. He always enjoyed looking at my camping pictures and listening to the hunting stories. Dad lived a wonderful 80 years and stayed active till the end. I wish us all the same.

I'd like to add my aunt, Millie Hill, who passed away this morning at age 87. She was the family historian, and had many stories about her father-in-law, John Hill, who worked in the Laurium post office for many years.

I noticed one of the last names is Kilpela; isn't that the last name of the family that runs the Isle Royale Queen?

And Betty Reschke, an annual resident of Agate Harbor for the last 50 years. We'll miss her...

I`d like to add Ralph Thomas Goniea,Jane
Goniea`s son & my brother & Robert Goniea`s
uncle who also passed away on 3-24-03.
Both he and mom will be sadly missed.

I'd like to add Mrs. Carol Cattaruzza of Simpsonville, South Carolina, who lost her battle with cancer on April 11th. I'd also ask for prayers for Carol's daughter, Chris, who is also fighting colon cancer. God bless the brave Cattaruzza family!

In Memory of Eldred (judge) Dulong & LaNelda Dulong, Clarence (Bud) Dulong, Marvin Dulong,an Weldon (Sonny) Dulong they are missed a lot by the family
Love Therese Dulong Dimet
E-Mail theresedimet@a1access.net
Mary Jane Geshel please answer Cousin Therese

BETIFULL