Helen Hedler 82, life long resident of Mass City passed away at North Central Care Center in Wausau, WI where she had been a resident for the past several years.

She was born March 21, 1926 to Malkias and Kreeta Lukkari of Mass City. Helen was married to Donald Hedler on November 30, 1945. They raised 3 children, Darline, James and Thomas.

She was employed for 25 years at Ontonagon Memorial Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She also was an E.M.T. for Ontonagon County. After retiring, she continued to do private duty nursing.

She loved her home area of Ontonagon County and her Finnish heritage. Helen enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved fishing at her cottage on the Flintsteel River. Helen also loved to take photographs of the older homes in the area and knew the history of each structure.

She was always willing to help a neighbor or a stranger. Helen will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children Darline (Dennis) Kugler and Thomas Hedler, 2 grandchildren Renee (Mike) Ruplinger and Jason Le Claire, 2 great-grandchildren Hannah and Elijah Ruplinger.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, son James, sisters Lempi Lukkari, Hilja Keranen and Helmi Ahola and brothers Hugo and Toivo Lukkari.

Visitation was held at Cane Funeral Home Friday, May 16, 2008 and Funeral services at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mass City on Saturday, May 17, 2008. Burial took place at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland.