Obituary for Maija Liisa Erickson (Koukkari)
Iron Mountain- Maija L. Erickson, 90, of Breitung Township, Mich., passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at her home.
She was born October 18, 1931, in Pielisjarvi, Finland, daughter of the late Arri Johonuas and Saimi Elina Koukkari. Maija grew up and graduated high school in Finland. After high school, she resided in London, England, where she worked for a few years before returning to Finland, where she went to school for hotel and restaurant operations. From 1958 until 1962, Maija operated Puijon Ski Lodge. It was in 1962 when she met Willie Erickson, who was staying at the lodge along with the US Ski Jumping Team as they trained before traveling to Poland to participate in the World Championships. Maija married Willie on November 5, 1962, in Joensuu, Finland. They moved to the United States in 1963 and have enjoyed 59 years of marriage and 57 years of successful business operations throughout the community.
Maija was a member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, and was an avid oil painter, and her work was admired by many. She especially loved the time she spent with her children and grandchildren, who were so dear to her.
Survivors include her husband, Willie Erickson, Breitung Township; one son, Will (Kelli Ellis) Erickson, Iron Mountain, Mich.; one daughter, Lenita Erickson, Spread Eagle, Wis.; two grandchildren, Haley Erickson, Park City, Utah, and Annikka (Chris Roel) Erickson, Austin, Texas.
In addition to her parents, Maija was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.
In accordance with Maija’s wishes, private family services will be held.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Maija’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Maija’s legacy of life.
She was born October 18, 1931, in Pielisjarvi, Finland, daughter of the late Arri Johonuas and Saimi Elina Koukkari. Maija grew up and graduated high school in Finland. After high school, she resided in London, England, where she worked for a few years before returning to Finland, where she went to school for hotel and restaurant operations. From 1958 until 1962, Maija operated Puijon Ski Lodge. It was in 1962 when she met Willie Erickson, who was staying at the lodge along with the US Ski Jumping Team as they trained before traveling to Poland to participate in the World Championships. Maija married Willie on November 5, 1962, in Joensuu, Finland. They moved to the United States in 1963 and have enjoyed 59 years of marriage and 57 years of successful business operations throughout the community.
Maija was a member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, and was an avid oil painter, and her work was admired by many. She especially loved the time she spent with her children and grandchildren, who were so dear to her.
Survivors include her husband, Willie Erickson, Breitung Township; one son, Will (Kelli Ellis) Erickson, Iron Mountain, Mich.; one daughter, Lenita Erickson, Spread Eagle, Wis.; two grandchildren, Haley Erickson, Park City, Utah, and Annikka (Chris Roel) Erickson, Austin, Texas.
In addition to her parents, Maija was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.
In accordance with Maija’s wishes, private family services will be held.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Maija’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Maija’s legacy of life.