Lemira Hegg

Lemira (Ylitalo) Hegg, 94, of Ontonagon, passed away March 9, 2023 at St. Anne’s Salvatorian  in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were she lived for 4 months.  Prior to that, she resided in Butler, Wisconsin near her daughter, Annette, for several years.

Lemira was born on March 31, 1928 to Wilho and Lydia (Kytola) Ylitalo.  She was born and raised on the family farm in Marengo, Wisconsin and graduated from Ashland High School in 1946.  On February 25, 1947, she married Raymond Hegg. They spent a lot of time visiting family and children, and after retiring, enjoyed many bus tours throughout the United States. 

Lemira enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and socializing on the phone with her family and friends.  She was a member of the Ontonagon United Methodist Church since 1951, for which she did a lot of volunteer work.  She was also a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Ontonagon County Historical Society, and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. 

The family moved from Ashland area to Ontonagon in 1951.  After her children were all in school, Lemira went to work for the Ontonagon Area Public schools.  She worked first in the kitchen and then worked in the office at the elementary and high school levels. She worked for 24 years before she retired.  After retirement, Lemira worked at the Ontonagon Visitor’s Center. 

Lemira is survived by her four children:  her son, David (Janice) Hegg;  three daughters: Phyllis (Art) Moilanen, Denise Benedict and Annette Lloyd; eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.  Lemira was the last of her generation. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her son, Howard; eight sisters and four brothers.

Her “Celebration of Life” is planned for June 9, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12pm at Ontonagon United Methodist Church led by Pastor Pete LeMoine, followed by a luncheon in the church basement. Interment will follow the luncheon at Riverside Cemetery in Ontonagon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ontonagon United Methodist Church.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may view Lemira’s obituary and leave messages of remembrance at canefuneralhome.com

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