Florence Ida Evelyn Paakola

Florence Ida Evelyn Paakola, age 90, of Wadsworth, IL, passed away at home surrounded by her family on June 3, 2016. She was born on January 26, 1926, in Copper City, MI, the daughter of Waino and Anna (Waara) Kauppila. Florence grew up in Copper City. She married Arvo Paakola, of Laurium, MI, on February 18, 1944. They resided in Copper City, then moved with their 4 children to Waukegan, IL, in 1960. Arvo worked for the city of Waukegan, and Florence worked as a wife and mother. She also worked part-time doing housekeeping. Florence was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, whose priority was to care for her husband, children, and home. Her life was one of serving others, especially her family. Her many close friends were a testimony to her caring and friendly nature. Florence was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arvo, son Bruce, and four grandchildren, Lori Ann Linna, Bradley Paakola, and Timothy and Peter Frantti. Also preceding her in death were her brothers Waino, Walter, and Melvin Kauppila, sister Mildred Taube, and infant sister Kathleen. Florence is survived by daughters Sharon (George) Linna of Wadsworth, IL, Patricia (James) Frantti of Chassell, MI, and Brenda Paakola of Wadsworth, IL, and daughter-in-law Carolyn Paakola of Beach Park, IL. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren Wayne Linna, Tami (Dave) Witt, Kurt (Mary) Linna, Shawn (Elaine) Linna, Jody (Robert) Sears, Brent (Jennifer) Paakola, Joelle Manning, Mandy Frantti, Tricia (BJ) Tervo, Matthew Frantti, and Mary (Travis) Johnson, as well as 37 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include sisters Phyllis Tarnowski and Carol Usitalo, brothers Paul, Gordon, Donald (Barbara) and Kenneth (Ardene) Kauppila, brother-in-law Jack Taube, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The funeral service will be held at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, 39372 N. Carol Ln., Beach Park, IL at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 6, 2016. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service.