Mary Ann Luukkonen

MARYANN LUUKKONEN June 1, 1925 - February 1, 2015 MaryAnn Luukkonen, age 89, a life long Lake Alice, MN area resident, peacefully entered the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday morning, Feb. 1, 2015 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN. MaryAnn was born on June 1, 1925 near Huntersville, MN to Warren and Mathilda (Marx) Hooker. As a small child, she moved with her family to a farm near Lake Alice, MN where she attended the Lake Alice Country School. She went on to attend high school in Park Rapids. As a teenager, Mary Ann worked as a waitress at the Spot Café in Bemidji, MN. She was united in marriage to Roy Luukkonen on November 10, 1945 in Polk County, MN. This union was blessed with five children: Leroy, Larry, Leslie, Leann and LaVonne "Bonnie". The young couple made their home in Lake Alice Township where she devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her family. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, soups and venison. In addition to caring for her family, MaryAnn worked at Itasca State Park for many years and worked for Hubbard County planting tens of thousands of pine seedlings each spring. She also worked right along side her husband, Roy in caring for and milking their herd of dairy cows, tending to their sheep and caring for their herd of beef cattle each day. She also worked many long days in the fields putting up the feed needed for their livestock on their 300 acre farm. MaryAnn was a strong woman of faith who enjoyed worshipping at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George where she taught Sunday School for many years. MaryAnn loved to work with her hands doing embroidery. Each spring she enjoyed planting beautiful flower gardens which she would nurture into colorful splendor for all to enjoy. She enjoyed listening to good music and loved to dance. She also loved to feed and watch the many birds that graced her property. Above all, MaryAnn will be remembered for her sweet unconditional love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. MaryAnn will be lovingly remembered by her children: Larry (Ada) Luukkonen of Lake Alice, MN, Leslie (Barb) Luukkonen of Otsego, MN, and LaVonne "Bonnie" Karkinen of Park Rapids; 13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Leroy in 1994, her husband. Roy in 2001; her daughter, Leann in 2014; two brothers: Ray and Harvey and four sisters: Mae, Nina, Dorothy and Velva. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, February 6, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Pastor Kent Dudley officiating. The music will be provided by Pastor Dudley who will sing, "I'll Fly Away" and "I Believe". The congregational hymn will be "Jesus Loves Me". A special recorded musical tribute will be played entitled, "Jar Of Clay". The casket bearers will be MaryAnn's grandchildren: Shelly Farber, Audrey Roy, Leah Swalboski, Rebecca Ruud, Crystal Miller, Heather Johnson, Bailie Karkinen, Dean Luukkonen, Roy Luukkonen, Robbie Luukkonen, John Luukkonen, Shannon Prunty and Brian Karkinen. Interment will be made in the Lake Alice Cemetery. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted by friends at the Park Rapids Eagles Club. Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the service on Friday. To view the online video or to leave online condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com