Helen Aleena Lehtikangas

ROCK — Helen Aleena Lehtikangas, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and embodiment of Finnish sisu, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at her daughter’s home in Rock, Michigan. She was 97 years old. Born on April 23, 1926, in Rock, Michigan, Helen was born to John and Hilda Leppanen. She spent a life filled with love, hard work, and dedication to her family. In 1960, she married Leonard Lehtikangas, and together they raised their four children on their dairy farm in Rock. Helen was a busy and dedicated homemaker, finding joy in creating a warm and loving home for her family. Her love extended beyond the house, as she nurtured a passion for gardening and the art of canning. She was especially known for baking delicious Finnish treats, bringing a taste of Finnish heritage to her family gatherings. Beyond the farm, Helen and Leonard instilled a love of adventure in their children, embarking on many memorable summer road trips. Many summer Sundays were spent taking drives to visit relatives and exploring the beauty of the Upper Peninsula, with highlights including a trip around Lake Superior and a journey to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Helen’s spirit of adventure continued well into her later years. She found joy in spending time knitting and crocheting, creating warm winter socks and mittens that were prized possessions of many who received them. Even in her later years, Helen’s Finnish sisu shone brightly. A fiercely independent woman, she continued to drive herself to the Senior Citizens Center several days a week into her early 90s, volunteering her time for 30 years and taking great pride in the help she could lend. There, she also cultivated a wonderful circle of friends who became her extended family, sharing lively conversation, enjoying senior center dances and bingo. Her spirit of giving and her dedication to her senior community will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was a true embodiment of Finnish sisu – strong, determined, and forever cherished. Lepaa rauhassa, aiti. Helen is survived by her four children, Tim (Kathy) Lehtikangas, Oshkosh WI; Ron Lehtikangas, Rock MI; Dale Lehtikangas, Gladstone MI; Sandra (James) McPherson, Rock, Mich., all living testaments to her love and guidance. She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren Tony McPherson, Karley Lehtikangas, Ryan Lehtikangas, Benjamin Lehtikangas, Samuel Lehtikangas, Timothy Lehtikangas, Stashia Wery, Jeremy Frappier, and Ryan Frappier, and several great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard Lehtikangas; her parents, John and Hilda Leppanen; and her siblings, brothers George and John, and sisters Ellen, Irene, and Gertrude. Visitation will be on Saturday March 23 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, 903 Wisconsin Ave., Gladstone Mich. The funeral service will follow with Pastor Jack Busche officiating. Burial will take place in the Rock Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Lehtikangas family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.