Kathleen Anna Poikonen

Kathleen “Kay” Anna Poikonen, 86, of Crystal Falls, MI, passed away February 7, 2022, after valiantly battling Alzheimer’s and other complications associated with this disease for several years. Kay was married to Reino Poikonen for 58 years before his passing in May of 2011. Over the two years she has lived at Tender Touch Heart and Home in Elizabethtown, KY. The family would also like to express their sincere thanks to Kay’s caregivers at Tender Touch and the wonderful care from Central Kentucky Hosparus in the last stages of her life. Kay was born in Quincy, IL, on May 4, 1935, the daughter of Arthur Lake and Marion Holtzgrafe. She graduated as the valedictorian of her class at 16 years old and was a fiercely independent lady. She enjoyed traveling and learning about different cultures, and she was a strong advocate of equal rights and pay for women. Kay worked 37 years as a computer programmer and accomplished mathematician for the Automotive Big Three: General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford Motor Company and was one of the first female computer programmers hired by General Motors in 1953. She retired in 1990 from Ford Motor Company. After retiring, Reino and Kay spent their winters in Arizona and traveling (particularly cruising) but always looked forward to returning to their home on Long Lake in Crystal Falls, MI. Kay was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2005. Even though she was afflicted and struggled with this disease over several years, Kay would never complain about her fate. Her dream was that a cure or solution to this most dreadful disease be discovered, so future generations would never have to be subject to such an illness. Most recently she was diagnosed with Covid-19. She is survived by one son, Allan (Tuula) Poikonen; two grandchildren, granddaughter Kristen Malecek (Garet) and grandson Dr. Stefan Poikonen; and great-granddaughter, Emilia Malecek. There will be no visitation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A private funeral service limited to family and close friends will be held at the Christ Episcopal/Christ Lutheran Chapel in Elizabethtown, KY, on February 19th with Rev. Dr. Brian Baker and Rev. Dr. Robert Hetzel (retired) officiating. Masks are required. Burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls, MI.on May 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Pastor DJ Rasner officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be designated to Alzheimer’s disease research at Mayo Clinic. Gifts can be mailed directly to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or given online at http://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayoclinic or the United Lutheran Church General Fund, 506 Superior Avenue, Crystal Falls, MI 49920. Condolences to the family of Kathleen “Kay” Anna Poikonen may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.

Kathleen Anna Poikonen

May 4, 1935 - February 7, 2022