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ESCANABA -- Eileen M. Kaukola, 75, of Escanaba, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at UP HealthSystem – Marquette.She was born on April 5, 1951 to the late Vilho and Irene (Zmyslony) Kaukola in Marquette, MI.
Eileen grew up in Rock, MI on the family dairy farm where she participated in 4H and GirlScouts. She attended Rock High School, graduating in 1969. She then attended Michigan State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching, centralized on educationfor children with learning disabilities.Eileen taught special education in the Escanaba Public Schools for 33 years, from 1973 – 2006, when she retired.
She was the resource room teacher at Lemmer Elementary School from 1973- 1987, Franklin Elementary School from 1987-1995, and returned to Lemmer from 1995 – 2006.
A devoted Catholic, Eileen attended St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church in Escanaba. She attendedadoration, acted as an usher, and enjoyed helping with church events including funeralluncheons. She participated in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and volunteered as thereceptionist on Mondays. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Kapp Gamma; an organization to unite women educators to advance professional interests, grant educationalscholarships, and promote excellence in education.
Eileen enjoyed spending time in nature where she was a passionate bird-watcher. She liked tocamp and tent with her sister; together they travelled to many states. She made an annual tripto visit Isle Royale in Lake Superior to relax every year before the school year started again.
Eileen is survived by her siblings, William (Jane) Kaukola of Gladstone, MI, Mary Kay (Ken)Kaukola-Olkkonen of Calumet, MI, Rita (John) Knoop of Durham, NC, Jim Kaukola of Lemoore,CA, Eugene (Joan) Kaukola of Marquette, and Regina (John Hawkley) Kaukola of Seattle, WA;many loving nieces and nephews; special cousin, Rex (Muriel) Covington and many othercousins; special friend to Eileen and her family, Julie Moker; and her "Lemmer Buddies".
She is preceded in death by her parents, Vilho and Irene Kaukola; infant brother, ChristopherKaukola; sister-in-law, Joy Kaukola; many aunts and uncles, including her special aunt, VirginiaZmyslony.
Visitation will take place on Sept. 18 at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13thSt., Escanaba from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. A Vincentian prayer service will take place at thefuneral home at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Joseph & St. PatrickChurch in Escanaba at noon. At the conclusion of the mass, a meal will be served in the churchhall. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Joseph and St.Patrick Church.
Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. Thearrangements are in the care of Crawford Funeral Homes.
