Doris Delores Kivekas

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died November 28, 2019

Doris Delores Kivekas born April 8, 1931 passed away November 28, 2019 at the age of 88. Delores was born in Raco, Michigan to the late Hilda Kleis. At 1 month old she came to live in Rock and was raised by her grandparents Mary and Isaac Hill whom were from Finland. Doris learned fluent Finnish from her grandparents and can also write it.

She graduated from Rock High School in 1949, where she was in choir, basketball and in many other activities. Throughout the years Delores had worked waitressing, housekeeping, working for the St Nicholas farmers, the Oja rest home and the Gladstone bean factory.

In 1951 she married the late Marvin Kivekas. She and Marvin had three children; Dianne, Dwayne and Julie. She became the consummate homemaker. Delores was an excellent cook and baker, a neat and tidy housekeeper, a wonderful wife and mother. She and Marvin enjoyed a great “50’s” marriage. They worked together to provide for and to see their little family flourish. Life was good. They all enjoyed the great outdoors, fishing, snowmobiling, attending school events (especially basketball games), bowling, going to drive in theaters, playing cards and weekends at their cabin on the Escanaba river. Their lives centered around family and friends.

Delores loved people. Being an early riser, she would sometimes be up at 4/5 am getting her laundry and household chores done. She loved to bake and looked forward to having friends over for her famous apple pie, Finnish biscuit, fudge and many assorted goodies. Delores had the gift of hospitality and social grace. To have Delores as a friend was a true blessing. Her genuine personality made her an exceptionally sweet lady.

Delores was a lifelong member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Rock. Even after her move to Gladstone, she and her good friend Fanny Mikkala would take turns driving to Rock for services. Not until she could no longer drive did she stop attending. She was always available to work, cook, bake, clean or to help in any way she could at the church. She truly loved God and He richly blessed her with a heart of gold.

At age 69, she moved to Fairview apartments in Gladstone where once again she made many new friends. She loved to solve seek a word puzzles, play games and cards and build jigsaw puzzles. In fact, some of her puzzles are in frames in the halls at Fairview Manor. The coffee pot was always on and many of her friends visited her there.

About four years ago she moved to the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba where she continued with her love of people and social activities. Here one of her new passions became playing bingo at least four times a week. She particularly enjoyed sharing her winnings with her grandson Nathan.

The staff at Bishop Noa grew to love and appreciate Delores and will miss her dearly. She was happy, active, content and blessed to be able to get around and use her mind until she passed. She always complimented the great care she received at Bishop Noa and loved it there.

Delores loved her family and had always taken an interest in each of them. We will all miss her for so many reasons. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many and loved by all. Her hospitality, friendship and awesome goodies cannot be equaled by many. And so, Delores lived a full and blessed life and was an incredible woman who was loved by all.

Delores is survived by her daughters Dianne (Dennis) Hettinger;Julie (Loren) Whipple; daughter-in-law Traci Kivekas; grandchildren, Michelle (Chris) Lennon; Kristen (Tom)Owens; Brooke Ditmar (friend Mike VanHill), and Nathan Whipple; great grandchildren, Madison and Alex Lennon, Sara and Oliva Owens, Gavin and Ethan Ditmar; sister Lois Carr; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Delores was preceded in death by son Dwayne Kivekas; grandson Ian Kivekas, sister; Florilla Oja; sister June DeLongchamp; mother; Hilda Kleis; father; Fred Luepnitz; beloved grandparents Issac and Mary Hill.

A celebration of Delores’ life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 with visitation from 1:00PM to 3:00PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A memorial service will follow visiting hours, at 3:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral home in Gladstone, with Pastor Al Schubert officiating. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

13 Tributes for “Doris Delores Kivekas”

    My heart is so heavy. Delores was the best neighbor….ever! We shared so many walks down our road over the years- as well as many cups of coffee. We always had something to laugh about. Our friendship over the years
    has provided me with so many wa memories. Diane, Dueane, and Julie- you had a wonderful mother! My deepest sympathy for you.

    Delores was the best friend anyone could have even in later years we lived far apart we were always in each others hearts

    I am heart sick from the passing of my beloved “second Mom”. Growing up, I would have sleepovers with my best friend, Dianne, and I would remember this kind, sweet, huggable lady welcoming me into her home. I have so many memories of Delores that I hold deeply inside. This world has lost a precious gem and those of us who knew her will feel the void. My sincerest condolences to Dianne and Julie and the rest of her family.

    My condolences to Dianne and your entire family. Your Mother was a dear friend to my Mother after she moved to Denver and Mom was always excited to receive the many letters your Mom wrote to her and shared them with me. Will always remember your Mom in our childhood years and beyond. May God’s peace comfort you as you celebrate the life of your wonderful Mother.

    My sympathy to the family of Deloris Kivekas. Its been numerous years since I’ve last seen her but always remembered her sweet smile.
    Hugs to Dianne and Julie
    Carol (LaBelle) Hentz
    Green Bay, WI

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great neighbor and friend to my mother. I think of you often Dianne and would love for you to contact me. We lived across the road from you for 4 years. Blessings to your family as you remember how special she was.

    I met Doris back in 1983 while i was living in Rock and was friends with her daughter Julie. She was a very nice person. Prayers for her family. Mary Moulds McPherson

    So sorry to hear about your mom. She was a very sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

    We miss Doris at Bishop Noa Home. She was appreciated by the employees and other residents. Sorry for your loss. May God bless you. Sr. Mary Ann Laurin and Pastoral Care Department

    Wow, just found out today at Church from the Salmi’s that Delores had passed. I met her when I moved to Rock. She was always friendly and had the greatest baked stuff for coffee hour! She never failed to inquire about how my kids were doing. Her housekeeping skills put me to shame. She could clean so everything sparkled. Later when she moved to Gladstone I tried to visit every winter when work was slow or I was laid off. She was always a great hostess and had many stories to tell. Loved going with her to the Lenten Breakfast at Immanuel. She and Fanny were almost always seen together when I was at church functions. Sadly I lost touch when she moved to Bishop Noa. I will always cherish the memory of her smile, the tasty baked treats and her great stories. My sympathy to you all.

Post a Tribute

Your email address will not be published. Tributes are moderated before posted. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.