HOUGHTON – Jean Belkonen, 94, a resident of the Douglas House Apartments and former Atlantic Mine and South Range resident, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Mission Point Health and Rehab in Hancock.
She was born Mildred Jean Latvala on December 18, 1928, in Onnela, the daughter of the late William and Helen (Westerberg) Latvala. Jean was raised in Onnela and was a graduate of Houghton High School. She was also a graduate of the Detroit Business School.
On August 29, 1947, she was united in marriage to Paul Belkonen. The couple has resided in Detroit, Madison, WI, Long Beach, CA, White Pine, MI and for 20 years in Atlantic Mine.
Mrs. Belkonen had worked as a secretary in the automotive industry, retiring in 2002. She also had been a Mental Health Guardian for many years. Jean was a former member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Atlantic Mine and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Houghton.
She loved to visit with friends and family over a cup of coffee.
Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, her brothers; Herbert, Bernie, William and Ray, as well as her granddaughter, Karen Merritt of Green Bay, WI.
Surviving are: Her children: Alan (Sam) Belkonen, Tarpon Springs, FL, Diane Merritt, Green Bay, WI, & Clay Belkonen, Tarpon Springs, FL; Her grandson, Timothy Merritt, Port Washington, WI; Her sister-in-law, Kay Latvala, Dollar Bay, MI; Numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Jean will be held in the Spring of 2024.
To view Jean’s obituary or to send online condolences, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
