Martina "Tina" Hakanen

Chatham

Martina “Tina” L. Hakanen, age 64, of Chatham, died unexpectedly, Friday, September 13, 2024 at her home. She was born on November 1, 1959 in Honolulu, Hawaii to the late Martin and Neola (Holmquist) Eaton. Tina was only six months old when her father Martin died. When Neola married Eugene Juntunen, Tina was gifted with the greatest stepfather anyone could ask for. Eugene taught Tina the ropes of whitetail hunting and fishing, passions that she carried throughout her life. She graduated from Eben High School in 1977. One evening at the Snack Bar, Mike Hakanen was having a burger and in walked Tina, she said to him, “I got a six-pack if you got wheels!” and the rest was history. Mike and Tina were married on July 2, 1988, and in December of 1990 their daughter Ericka was born. Tina had a very special bond with her daughter Ericka. They were inseparable. Some of their favorite activities included going to the fair every year, red lobster dates, and the many casino/concert trips throughout the years. 

 Tina worked at the Chatham Co-Op for over thirty-two years, where she was a part of so many people’s lives in their community. Tina was a stud softball player for the SJS Builders and Joyce’s Beauty Nook. She was a part of many championship teams and earned multiple individual awards. As well as being a player, Tina also was the assistant coach for the Superior Central Cougars girls softball team during her daughter Ericka’s last two seasons. Tina was an avid sports fan and especially loved watching the Green Bay Packers, Michigan Wolverines, and March Madness. Tina loved to fish, and she would out fish anyone in a tournament on AuTrain Lake. Tina and Mike bought their camp in Trenary nine years ago, and this was their happy place. Each year they would tackle a new project to build and improve camp. Tina loved the peace and quiet at camp and looked forward to being there in the fall for deer season. Tina was definitely the life of every party, and she made sure everyone around her was having a good time. If there was music being played, Tina would be the first to find the dance floor.

 Tina is survived by her husband of thirty-six years – Mike Hakanen of Chatham; daughter – Ericka (fiancé Adam Spaulding) Hakanen; sisters – Karlene (Robert) Webber and Susie Brisson; mother-in-law – Betty Hakanen; brother-in-law – Dick McKenney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father – Martin Eaton, mother and father – Neola and Eugene Juntunen, sisters – Elizabeth “Bette” McKenney and Gloria Jasko, father-in-law – Donald Hakanen, and best friend – Kelly Heinonen.

 A celebration of life will be on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the New Moon in Eben Junction from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.