Leonard John Heikkinen

Leonard John Heikkinen passed peacefully at home with his family present on May 29, 2022. He was born in Dearborn, MI on June 21, 1936 and grew up in Boston Location, Hancock, MI. Leonard enjoyed leather jackets, fast cars, motorcycles and of course, girls. Especially a pretty girl named Juanita who lived on a nearby dairy farm in Calumet, MI. A year was spent on the big ore ships on the Great Lakes after graduating. Then he saw all of the oceans of the world when he proudly joined the Navy. In 1957 Leonard married Juanita (Juany) Maatta and started a family. Debbie, Donna, Larry and Carol were welcomed into the world. 1964 sent Leonard west (with Sisu) where he set down new roots in Butte, MT. He worked for the Anaconda Co. and then MRI until forced to retire with disabling rheumatoid arthritis. From nails and lumber salvaged from buildings torn down and logs he cut in the mountains Leonard built the cabin he envisioned. This was quite the family endeavor! OH, of course, before the cabin he had to build a good ol’ Finnish Sauna! Leonard sure taught his children how to work but also how to play cribbage which was enjoyed especially during holidays. In retirement he enjoyed Sunday sermons, telling hunting stories, work stories and of all of his bear encounters. He sure could BS and was known to visit Finntown a time or two! Dad, in his jeans jacket and cowboy hat that he always wore, joined Debbie (who passed in 2005) at the gates of heaven. He is also preceded in death by his parents, John and Ida Heikkinen; sister Racheal Harju; brother Ray (Lillian); and sister Florence who passed away at a young age of diphtheria. He is survived by Juany, his wife for 64 years; son Larry, and daughters Donna and Carol. Also grandchildren John Foran (Rebekah), Pam Foran, Eryn Heikkinen (Jesse Sonntag), Alex Braida, Cassy Heikkinen (fiance Joey Decker), and Joriann Heikkinen. Great grandchild Elizabeth Foran; brother-in-law Don Harju and many other friends and family (deceased and living) who all enjoyed the cabin in Lost Creek, Anaconda. Memorials can be made to the Butte Rescue Mission. The family would like to acknowledge and thank friends Dennis and Nina Rintala, the veterans staff, Anaconda Community Hospital, Anaconda Pintler Hospice, and Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home. All of your kindness will not be forgotten.

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Leonard John Heikkinen

June 21, 1936 - May 29, 2022