Plummer - Wilma Huotari, 89, died Thursday, October 5, 2000 at Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 8, at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer with Rev. Robert Paulson officiating. Linda Olson was the organist. Casketbearers were Neil Huotari, Bryce Huotari, Steve Eskeli, Dave Eskeli, Bruce Eskeli and Lowell Johnson. Burial was in the Finnish Cemetery near Plummer with Johnson Funeral Service of Red Lake Falls in charge of the arrangements.
Wilma Erica Eskeli was born April 9, 1911 at Ironwood, Mich., the daughter of Nick and Iimi (Marttila) Eskeli. In 1912, she moved with her family to Plummer where she was raised and attended the Finnish School. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
On November 9, 1935, Wilma was united in marriage to Tom Huotari at Plummer. The couple made their home and farmed in Garnes township east of Plummer until 1990 when they moved into Plummer. Wilma has resided at Pioneer Memorial Care Center since August 11, 1997. Tom died on December 29, 1997.
She enjoyed gardening, cooking and crocheting.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aid and Homemakers Club.
Wilma is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lorna (Merle) Jesme of Plummer; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Fremling of Red Lake Falls; three brothers, Leonard Eskeli of New York Mills and Edward Eskeli and Melvin (Rosemary) Eskeli, both of Plummer; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, Russell; a sister, Aini Eskeli; and three brothers, Woodrow Eskeli, Leo Eskeli and Martin Eskeli.
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