Elsie E. Ongie 86 passed away Saturday, February 07, 2015 at the Aspirus Long Term Care Facility in Ontonagon, Michigan where she had resided for several years.

She was born July 16, 1928 in Green, Michigan to the late John & Maria (Lepisto) Honkavaara who were Finnish immigrants. On June 23, 1951 Elsie married her first husband William L. Stenson of Greenland, Michigan. After the death of her first husband she later married Gordon D. Ongie on December 28, 1980.

During her early life, Elise and Bill owned and operated for several years the A&W Drive In in Osceola near Calumet, Michigan. She later worked at various homes as a nanny. She and her 2nd husband Gordon enjoyed several retirement winters at their home in Sebring, Florida. Elsie was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 5600 Ladies Auxiliary, enjoyed cross country skiing, canning fruits and vegetables and working out at the AOH Fitness Center. She was very proud of her Finnish heritage and learned the language from her parents and siblings. She was a graduate of Ontonagon High School Class of 1946.

Elsie is survived by her 2 daughters Diane L. Yanasak and Dorothy J. (Joseph) Sharkey, 5 Step-children Randy (ClareAnn) Ongie, Dan Ongie, Cindy (John) Zbarachi, Linda (George) Beck and Patty Ongie and several step-grandchildren/great-grandchildren, 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband William "Sonny" L. Stenson on June 30, 1968, her second husband Gordon D. Ongie on January 14, 2011, 2 brothers Abraham Zachary Honkavaara on January 12, 1972 & John Arnold Honkavaara on August 19, 2000, sisters Mary Alina Raatikka on August 29, 1989 & Aileen Armanda Bristol on October 30, 2005, son-in-law Francis E. Yanasak on April 23, 2007, nephew Norman Colclasure on October 07, 1963, brothers-in-law William J. Bristol on April 09, 1999, Toivo Raatikka on May 29, 1957 & R. Einar Kangas on February 22, 1945.

Funeral services will be held at the Siloa Lutheran Church in Ontonagon, MI on Wednesday February 11, 2015 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be in the spring at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland, MI. The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at canefuneralhome.com.