Arvo "Bernie" Takkinen

Chatham

Arvo “Bernie” Takkinen, age 88, of Chatham, died unexpectedly from heart complications late Thursday morning, August 27, 2020 at UP Health System – Marquette.  He was born in the house he lives in on Takkinen Road on March 28, 1932 to Abel and Saima (Posa) Takkinen.  Bernie grew up working on the farm.  On June 28, 1952, he married Ada Bossom and together they raised their family.  They were married over forty-eight years when Ada preceded him in death on September 16, 2000.  Bernie worked for Joe Brisson and J & F Brisson, Inc. for over forty years.  During that time from 1974 until he retirement in 1990, Bernie was the supervisor of the lumbermill in Chatham.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the deer and turkeys, and spending time with his family.

Bernie is survived by four children – Patsy (Ken) Hemmila of Negaunee, Rose Setterlind of Negaunee, Bernie “Sonny” Takkinen of Vandalia, MI, and Donnie Takkinen of Chatham; grandchildren – Amy, Aaron, Brent, Emily, Stephen, Robert, Erin, and Jill; numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife – Ada; infant son - Kenny Takkinen; brother - Leslie Takkinen; sisters – Irene Ilkka, Impi Lindquist, Tyne Hautamaki, and infant sister Ava Takkinen; and son-in-law Mark Setterlind.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 31, 2020 at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Due to Michigan’s executive orders, masks will be required, and social distance rules will be in place.   Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct Bernie’s funeral service at the funeral home at noon.  Interment will be at the Limestone Township Cemetery immediately following the funeral approximately at 1:00 p.m.