Kay (Virtanen) Nowak

Kay Nowak, 77, a resident of the Ontonagon Area peacefully passed away Tuesday October 4, 2016 at Woodland Haven, Hancock, MI.

Kay was born on December 31, 1938 in Beacon Hill, MI. A daughter of the late Frank and Katherine (LePine) Virtanen, Kay was raised in Tapiola, MI and attended the Doelle School.

Kay married Walter Tuomi on October 3, 1959 and together had six children: Dawn Tuomi of Clearwater, FL, Laura (Duane) Roehm of Menominee, MI, Steven Tuomi, Gail (Bob) Peterson of Ontonagon, MI, Melanie Butina of Ontonagon, MI and Darren Tuomi (Traci Peloso) of White Pine, MI.

On August 28, 1981 Kay married Tom Nowak. Kay and Tom spent their life together in Green, MI. Together they enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing. Kay worked at the Eagles Club, Doc’s Bar, Dry Dock Bar and the VFW where she met many of the local residents of Ontonagon. Kay was a member of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary. Kay also found enjoyment in reading, knitting, crossword puzzles, word searches and walking.

Kay had nine grandchildren: Melissa Tuomi, Jillian and Cody Roehm, Rachel Tuomi, Ryan Peterson, Heather Solberg, Mitchell and Dylan Butina and Desiree Tuomi. Her great grandchildren are Bronson Seehafer, Danae Sandy, Maddox, Kingston and Ariah Solberg.

Kay is survived by brothers Charles (Charlotte) and Gerald Virtanen and a sister Dolares (William) Van Deventer. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Steven, Brothers Melvin and Francis Virtanen, and Sisters Aurelia Virtanen, Carol Kahkonen, Marilyn Kotila and Gertrude Fallon.

A memorial service honoring Kay’s life will be held on October 18th at 2:00pm at the Holy Family Cemetery in Ontonagon, MI with a luncheon to follow at 3:00pm at the Eagles Club in Ontonagon. Kay’s family welcomes all friends to attend the service and share stories and enjoy lunch with us after the service.

To view Kay’s Obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.canefuneralhome.com

 Service Information