Crystal Falls-Edna A. Heikkinen, age 81, of Crystal Falls, Mich., passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Dickinson County Healthcare System, Iron Mountain, Mich.

She was born June 4, 1936, in Crystal Falls, daughter of the late Clyde and Myrtle (Johnson) Payne and seventh of nine children. Edna spent 29 years in Milwaukee, Wis. After receiving her GED she went on to attend Milwaukee Area Technical School, receiving a LPN degree. She was united in marriage to Edward H. Heikkinen on January 9, 1954, in Negaunee, Mich. at St. Paul Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on November 4, 2014.

Edna eventually left nursing and was president of a pro-life group, Omeara's Life Resource Pregnancy Helpline, until her retirement. She was a co-founder of a neighborhood participation group in Milwaukee, working with schools and city council on safety and injustice issues in the local community. Edna was also involved in the PTA with the Milwaukee Public School System and eventually moved to Crystal Falls in 1992. She served on the Crystal Falls City Council as a council member for two terms. Edna was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church where she also served as Eucharistic Minister and greeter. In her retirement she volunteered for the Iron County Medical Care Facility, assisting with their activities.

Edna is survived by four sons, Michael (Colleen) Heikkinen, Milwaukee, Wis., David (Dona) Heikkinen, Crystal Falls, Mich., Larry (Yvonne) Heikkinen, Waukesha, Wis. and Gary (Victoria) Heikkinen, Alpha, Mich.; one special adopted daughter, Corinne Wolak, Los Angeles, Calif.; two sisters, Joyce ZaVada, Crystal Falls, Mich. and Emma Jean Forsman, Racine, Wis.; six grandchildren, Christopher, Traci, Julie, Amy, Katie and Denell; six great-grandchildren, Layla, Emma, River, Freya, Gage and Molly; and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ed, Edna was preceded in death by siblings; twin brother, Ed Payne, Clyde Jr., Janet (Eugene) James, Nancy Carol, Marvin, and a stillborn infant.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 7, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls. Prayers will be recited Friday, June 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Crystal Falls. Rev. Fr. Dan Malone will officiate. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Edna or leave a condolence for her family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, to honor Edna's legacy of life.