1915
Esther
2009
Esther V. Burkhalter
November 20, 1915 — July 21, 2009
Munising
Esther V. Burkhalter, age 93, of Munising, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising, where she had resided since February of 2005. She was born Vieno Esther Kangas in Negaunee, Michigan to Finnish immigrant parents, Elias and Helga Kangas. She graduated from Negaunee High School in 1934. Esther married Charles Maki in 1935; he preceded her in death in 1954. In her early years she worked at the Munising Co-Op and later worked at the Red Cedar Restaurant, but she was mainly a homemaker. On April 15, 1956, Esther married Leonard H. Burkhalter. Esther and Leonard enjoyed traveling, spending winters in their camper in Florida, trips to California, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, and a Scandinavian tour with Carl Pellonpaa. Esther filled her "free" time from being a loving mother and wonderful grandmother with activities ranging from being a Life Member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 424, a faithful TOPS club member, the Alger County Historical Society, she was an active member Eden Lutheran Church, including Hope Circle and teaching Christian Education. Esther was the last remaining charter member of the Women of the Moose Chapter 953. It was a common sight to see Esther walking all over Munising, whether she was visiting her "lady friends" or out for a "hike." She loved music and enjoyed dancing, often wearing out her younger dancing partners. Seldom did she miss Suomi Kuutsuu (Finland Calling) or the Lawrence Welk Program, and loved to dance to their music.
Esther is survived by her sister - Ilmi Ammesmaki of Negaunee; daughter - Debra (James) Perttula of Munising; sons - Bryan (Sandy) Burkhalter of Deerton, Carl (Mariellen) Maki of Rochester, MN, and Dr. Robert (Patricia) Maki of Anthem, AZ; grandchildren - Tara and Corey Perttula, Melia Garness, Todd (Doris) Maki, Taina Maki, Kaara (David) Maki-Waller, Denice Hurt, Cal (Tish) Maki, Bradd (Jennifer) Maki, Kristin (Matthew) Jenkins, Tricia (Brian) Boyer, and Nick Hamel; granddaughter-in-law - Geri Maki; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson. She was also preceded in death by her husband - Leonard Burkhalter March 23, 2009; son - Dennis Maki; daughter-in-law - Beverly Maki; grandson - Kurt Maki; great-granddaughter - Harper Maki-Waller; brothers - Leino and Otto Kangas; and sisters Edna Hanson and Elma Keller.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 24, 2009 at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. with an Eastern Star Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. There will also be visitation on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Eden Lutheran Church from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Pastor Eleanor Russey will conduct Esther's funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Eden. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Esther's name may be made to the Mooseheart Children Charities, a group that provides care for homeless and underprivileged children.
Esther V. Burkhalter, age 93, of Munising, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising, where she had resided since February of 2005. She was born Vieno Esther Kangas in Negaunee, Michigan to Finnish immigrant parents, Elias and Helga Kangas. She graduated from Negaunee High School in 1934. Esther married Charles Maki in 1935; he preceded her in death in 1954. In her early years she worked at the Munising Co-Op and later worked at the Red Cedar Restaurant, but she was mainly a homemaker. On April 15, 1956, Esther married Leonard H. Burkhalter. Esther and Leonard enjoyed traveling, spending winters in their camper in Florida, trips to California, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, and a Scandinavian tour with Carl Pellonpaa. Esther filled her "free" time from being a loving mother and wonderful grandmother with activities ranging from being a Life Member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 424, a faithful TOPS club member, the Alger County Historical Society, she was an active member Eden Lutheran Church, including Hope Circle and teaching Christian Education. Esther was the last remaining charter member of the Women of the Moose Chapter 953. It was a common sight to see Esther walking all over Munising, whether she was visiting her "lady friends" or out for a "hike." She loved music and enjoyed dancing, often wearing out her younger dancing partners. Seldom did she miss Suomi Kuutsuu (Finland Calling) or the Lawrence Welk Program, and loved to dance to their music.
Esther is survived by her sister - Ilmi Ammesmaki of Negaunee; daughter - Debra (James) Perttula of Munising; sons - Bryan (Sandy) Burkhalter of Deerton, Carl (Mariellen) Maki of Rochester, MN, and Dr. Robert (Patricia) Maki of Anthem, AZ; grandchildren - Tara and Corey Perttula, Melia Garness, Todd (Doris) Maki, Taina Maki, Kaara (David) Maki-Waller, Denice Hurt, Cal (Tish) Maki, Bradd (Jennifer) Maki, Kristin (Matthew) Jenkins, Tricia (Brian) Boyer, and Nick Hamel; granddaughter-in-law - Geri Maki; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson. She was also preceded in death by her husband - Leonard Burkhalter March 23, 2009; son - Dennis Maki; daughter-in-law - Beverly Maki; grandson - Kurt Maki; great-granddaughter - Harper Maki-Waller; brothers - Leino and Otto Kangas; and sisters Edna Hanson and Elma Keller.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 24, 2009 at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. with an Eastern Star Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. There will also be visitation on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Eden Lutheran Church from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Pastor Eleanor Russey will conduct Esther's funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Eden. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Esther's name may be made to the Mooseheart Children Charities, a group that provides care for homeless and underprivileged children.
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