Edward Leander Kuivanen

AuTrain

Edward Leander Kuivanen, age 65, of AuTrain, died following a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) late Monday morning, February 18, 2019 at his home under the loving care of his family, Lake Superior Hospice, and Commission on Aging.  He was born on February 6, 1954 in L’Anse, Michigan to Edward and Nana (Tepsa) Kuivanen and grew up in Pelkie, Michigan.

Ed graduated from Baraga High School in 1972 where he excelled academically and was named to the All-U.P. basketball team in his senior year.  He then attended Michigan State University from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, with high honors, in 1976.

He then embarked on a career as a conservation officer for the Michigan DNR.  Ed served for 25 years based in Alger County and on various assignments throughout the Upper Peninsula.  He cooperated with various other law enforcement agencies and trained new officers among his other duties.  Ed had met Pamela McCollum and they were married on February 4, 1984, and together raised their daughters, Erin and Amy.  In 1985, he received an award for heroism in the line of duty.  Upon retirement from the DNR, Ed redirected his energy and skills to the operation of Northwoods Resort in AuTrain, which he co-owned with his wife, Pam.  When not working, Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, and travel with his family to destinations through the country and in the Caribbean.  He was an active member of Eden Lutheran Church and served on the church council.  Ed was a longtime committee member of Duck’s Unlimited.

Afflicted with PSP, Ed participated in a clinical trial being conducted at the University of Chicago.  Even when it became more difficult, Ed and Pam selflessly made monthly trips to Chicago in the hope that it would help others.

Ed is survived by his wife of 35 years – Pam Kuivanen of AuTrain; their daughters -  Erin Leigh (Jacob) Miller of AuTrain and Amy Lynn Kuivanen of Marquette; grandsons -  Henry and Benjamin Miller; sister -  Rebecca (Ernest) Oz of Dearborn, his mother-in-law - Gwen McCollum of AuTrain; brothers-in-law and sisters -in-law -  James Wuori of Rochester Hills, MI, Mike (Anita) McCollum of AuTrain, Jack (Sandy) McCollum, and Lisa (Patrick) Dickenshied of Munising; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Ed was preceded in death by his parents, sister Katherine Lee Wuori and father-in-law, Benjamin McCollum.

Visiting time with family and friends will be held at Eden Lutheran Church in Munising on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.   Ed’s memorial service will be held at Eden on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. and will be conducted by Pastor Ann Gonyea.   A luncheon at the church will follow the services.  Interment will be at a later date at the Serenity Pines Cemetery in AuTrain.

The family requests that any expressions of support be made by contribution to one of the following organizations:  Eden Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 360, Munising, MI 49862; Lake Superior Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855, Alger County Commission on Aging, 1604 Sand Point Rd., Munising, MI 49862; or Cure PSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY, 10001.