Wilma Mary (Kokko) Malaski

Wilma Mary (Kokko) Malaski, age 90, went to her Eternal Home on January 5, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 14, 1924 to Ida (Perala) and John Kokko at her Perala (now commonly known as Berala) grandparents’ home in Rudyard, Michigan. The home still stands at over 100 years old. They lived on Seymour Street in Sault Ste. Marie for a short time before moving to a farm in Rudyard. Wilma attended the Fractional-Carolina Country School, then graduated from Rudyard High School in 1941. During her senior trip to Washington DC, she first became aware of all the roadside litter the closer they got to the capitol. Later in life she made a point of picking up the roadside litter along H-40 during her daily walks—which she continued well into her 80’s. After high school, Wilma worked at Fort Brady in Sault Ste. Marie and then at Selfridge Field near Mount Clemens, Michigan until she was called home because her mother was ill. After her mother’s death, Wilma continued to care for her father and siblings. Wilma loved to dance, and she met Isaac “Ike” Malaski at a community dance in the Soo. She and Ike were married on November 3, 1945 when he returned from overseas serving in WWII with the 82nd Airborne, and together they had four children. In addition to raising their family, Wilma helped manage their Grade A dairy farm. She later worked at the Commissary at Kincheloe Air Force Base and then as an administrative assistant for the Farmer’s Home Administration, where she finished her federal civil service career and retired in 1986. Wilma was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church in Rudyard and served on the church council for several years. She was also a charter member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of the English-Wallis post in Rudyard, holding officer positions—including president—numerous times. Wilma enjoyed history, and was a member of the Rudyard Historical Society. One of her favorite pastimes was reading “old stuff” about family and local history—school, community, friends, etc. She and Ike were active in the community, and were chosen Rudyard’s Citizens of the Year in 1998. Wilma enjoyed her family and “those dear grandchildren”, plus all her many relatives and friends. She loved inviting people into her home and, according to her grandchildren, made “World Famous” cheeseburgers. She genuinely cared about people and always greeted them with a smile and a warm hug, and devoted herself to the well-being of others. She visited those confined to their homes or the hospital, and would often bring a gift of homemade bread or Finnish nissua. Wilma was especially known for sending cards and letters—remembering birthdays and anniversaries of her family and friends, her church family, and numerous members of the community. Her address books and journal of important dates were important possessions. Wilma leaves behind her four children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, daughter, Jane Marie True of Rudyard and her sons Vernon Thomas and Robert James; son, James Isaac married to Sandra (Kaunisto) of Alpena, Michigan; daughter, Margaret Ann married to Steven D. Stutz of Rives Junction, Michigan and their three children, Keenan Michael married to Denise, Melia Nichole married to Jared Putnam, and Steven Japheth married to Heather; son, Robert John married to Annette (McDowell) and their six children, Brandon James married to Becky, Brent Robert married to Kaitlyn, Alex Michael, Rebecca Nicole, Monica Anne Marie, and Robert Isaac; and great grandchildren, Eden Shahla Putnam (Melia and Jared) and Parker James and Kinley Rose Malaski (Brandon and Becky). She will also be missed by her sister, Martha Watts of Ferndale, Michigan; sister-in-law, Glenda Kay Kokko of Rudyard; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Isaac Alfred Malaski, on October 20, 2010; parents, John and Ida Kokko, brothers, Wilfred (3-month old infant), Wesley, William (Laurel), and Ben (Elinor) Kokko; sister, Viola Augustson (Norman) and brother-in-law, Jim Watts Sr. Visitation will be held Friday, January 9, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at R. Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford, Michigan. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 A.M. at St. James Lutheran Church in Rudyard with Pastor Matthew Lamb conducting the service. Visitation will begin at 10:00 Saturday morning at the church. Burial will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens following the funeral service. Wilma’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 156; or Rudyard Area Community Foundation, English-Wallis VFW Fund, P.O. Box 394, both in Rudyard, MI 49780; or to the Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Wilma’s life was filled with the joy of conversation, music and laughter with family and friends as they enjoyed special occasions together.

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Wilma Mary (Kokko) Malaski

January 14, 1924 - January 5, 2015