Kelly Sue Heinonen

          Kelly Sue Heinonen, also lovingly was given the name “Narn” instead of Grandma by her first grandchild, Jack which immediately stuck died peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 30, 2024 following a brief illness at the age of 66.  She was born on February 14, 1958 in Escanaba, Michigan, the baby of seven children to Leslie and Signe (Aho) Cady.  Kelly grew up in Trenary and at a young age started working for her family at Herb’s Bar located downtown Trenary.  She was a hostess and worked many fish fries growing up.  While in school, Kelly was a cheerleader and graduated from Trenary High School in 1976.  She married her high school sweetheart Daniel Heinonen on February 6, 1976 and together they raised their two sons.  Kelly moved out West where Dan was stationed at Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms, California and they conceived their first child, Justin.  Upon Dan’s discharge they moved back to their hometown where Kelly attended NMU just shy of a degree after deciding helping with the Herb’s Bar, the family business.  She worked at her parents establishment then transitioned all the way across the street when her sister, Joni andJoe purchased the Silver Dollar in the early 80s.   She was the hostess, bartender, and all-around therapist to many of the patrons at the bar.  Kelly was a pusher of all things fundraising for the Trenary community.  She was selling raffle tickets, Girl Scout Cookies, Sayklly’s Eggs, or whatever was there to raise money for the kids and Trenary.  Kelly loved being outdoors, especially in her kayak on the inland lakes and rivers and looked forward to the family canoe trips down the AuTrain River.   She was truly delighted in anything that revolved around her grandchildren.  To Kelly, her grandchildren were everything.  Although she did not serve in the military, Kelly served and made many sacrifices as the wife and mother of Marines.  She was so proud of Dan, Dylan, and Justin for their service.  The loss of Kelly will not only be felt by her family but also by her community as well.

            Kelly is survived by her husband  - Daniel Heinonen of Trenary; son -  Justin Heinonen; daughter - Dena Heinonen; grandsons - Jack and Ben; beautiful granddaughter -  Ailie; siblings -  Cheryl (Dennis) Stanek, Greg (Doris) Cady, Curtis Cady, Ty (Mercy) Cady, and Joan (Rick) Hendrickson; aunt - Lois M. Cady; brothers and sisters-in-law -  Dave (Maureen) Heinonen, John (Trish) Heinonen, Kathleen Heinonen, Ken Heinonen, and Andrew Heinonen; and numerous nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents Leslie and Signe, her dearly missed and never forgotten son, Dylan Heinonen, sister Stephanie (Craig) Nordness, nephew Kane Cady, and mother and father-in-law Audrey V. and Thomas E. Heinonen. 

            Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Saturday, June 8, 2024.  Visiting time with family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  Deacon Tom Moseley will conduct Kelly’s memorial service at noon.  Following the service family and friends will gather and share stories at the Silver Dollar Bar in Trenary.