Irving “Bill” Laukkanen

Rock,MI

Irving ”Bill” Laukkanen, age 80, of Rock passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023 at St Vincent Hospital in Green Bay after battling a Bone Marrow Cancer.  Bill was born on October 25, 1942 in Escanaba to the late Albert and Emily ( Anderson ) Laukkanen. He grew up in Rock, MI and graduated from Rock high school in 1960. He and Sandra ( Johnson ) were married in April of 1963 and together they moved to Chatham, MI. Over the next 55 years they shared a life together. They worked side by side building a home and family together.

Bill worked for Kimberly Clark in Munising for 33 years as a Certified Welder. After he retired, he and Sandy continued to work on the “Laukkanen Christmas Tree Farm”. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking along with various winter and summer sports.

Bill and Sandy loved to travel once retired. Spending time in Texas and Florida during the cold UP winter months. One of the highlighted trips was to the Scandinavian Countries including Finland, where he met with Finnish cousins. Who he continued to remain in touch with throughout his years.

Bill and Sandy were always very active. They enjoyed spending time with their many friends in both Chatham and Rock.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Billie Jean ( Greg ) Schermerhorn of Sussex WI, Grandchildren Alexis and Jacob, his sister Karen ( Tom ) Sprague of Greendale Wi as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving companion and dog, Callie. In addition to his wife, Sandy, Bill was preceded in death by his son Rick Laukkanen.

The family will receive friends on Monday June 5, 2023 from 3pm to 5pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Rock. The funeral service will begin at 5pm. A luncheon will be served following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Bill will be entombed at the Garden of Rest Cemetery.