Obituary: Viola Esther Wilhelmina Manninen

As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home: 

Viola Esther Wilhelmina Manninen, age 91 and formerly of Covington, MI, was called to her heavenly home on Friday, January 8, 2021. She died peacefully at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, where she had resided since April, 2018.

Viola was born on September 4, 1929, in Covington, the 9th child and last survivor of Julius and Aino (Horsma) Johnson. She attended the local Covington schools. With the exception of the last 11 years, she resided in Covington. Prior to moving to the Gogebic Medical Care Facility, she lived in Ironwood with her sister Vienna Forslund for 8 years. When Viola moved to the Gogebic Medical Care Facility, she roomed with Vienna until Vienna’s recent death on December 22,2020.

Viola married Arne J. Manninen on April 28, 1962, in Chatham. He preceded her in death on December 29, 1986.

Viola spent her active work life as a grocery store clerk at the Covington C0-0P and as Trinity Lutheran Church’s long-time organist. She taught Sunday School. An avid knitter and crocheter, she delivered beautiful afghans to her nieces, nephews and their children. Her house was a welcoming place to all who visited and shared her meals and baked goods. Viola and Arne loved to go fishing. Every year she picked berries. Viola always had a dog to keep her company after Arne’s death. Until her macular degeneration prohibited these activities, she enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and reading. Viola liked to watch the birds and squirrels feeding on the seeds she put out daily in Ironwood. While living in Ironwood, Viola and Vienna spent several winters with Vienna’s son Jim (“JD”) in Phoenix, AZ, away from the snow and cold of the Upper Peninsula. A humble Christian woman, Viola waited many years to meet her Savior in person.

Besides her parents and husband, Viola was preceded in death by brothers Wayne, Vilho, Laurie, William (Bill), Verner, Walfred, and Wesley Johnson and sisters Wilma Torma and Vienna Forslund. She will be missed by her cousins Denver (Patti) Leinonen and Russell Tarvainen and their families as well as the families of her numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID, a funeral and burial will take place in late spring. Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Viola’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory may do so by contributing to Trinity Lutheran Church 12677 State Highway M28 Covington, MI 49919.