Obituary of Martha Elina Heiskari

Martha Elina Heiskari, 85 of Floodwood died Saturday, May 15, 2004 in Community Memorial Nursing Home in Cloquet. She was born February 8, 1919 in Halden Township to Matt and Sanna (Marttila) Holmes. Martha grew up in Halden Township and attended school in Halden and Floodwood. She married Iver Heiskari on February 21, 1941 in Floodwood. She farmed with her husband until his death in 1970. In 1971, Martha moved into town. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and the Senior Citizens. She made and donated many quilts to the Senior Citizens Club to raffle for their fund raisers. She also provided transportation for her many friends whenever they needed a ride. In addition to her husband, Martha was preceded in death by a grandson, Todd Heiskari; granddaughter, Toni Olesiak; sisters, Senia Wuotila, Aileen Leppala, Lempi Probst, and Sylvia Hokkanen; brothers, Matt Jr., Ted, and Hjalmer Holmes. She is survived by her son, Kenneth (Kathryn) of Cold Spring; daughter, Joanne (Rodney) Olesiak of Bruce, Wisc.; 6 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 12:30 until the 1:30 p.m. funeral service Wednesday, May 19, 2004 in Hope Lutheran Church in Floodwood. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Van Buren Township.