Champion – Aili L. Hanks, age 89, of Champion, passed away Sunday March 12, 2017 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility.

Aili was born July 5, 1927 in Beacon location to the late Matt and Amanda (Ylinen) Lappi. She was a graduate of Champion High School class of 1946. After graduating Aili moved to Detroit and then to Chicago, where she spent most of her career working as an executive secretary for Abbott Laboratories. She retired and moved home to Champion where she has resided since 1988.

Aili was a member of the Champion Apostolic Lutheran Church, and the Champion Historical Society. She had a lifelong interest in learning, and was an avid reader. She enjoyed helping the needy, loved gardening, and enjoyed putting on big dinner parties for all of her friends.

Aili is survived by nieces and nephews: Grace (Mark) Antioho of Chassell, MI, Eileen (George) Dawson of Lincoln, CA, Christine Hoiem of Marquette, MI, Virginia Janhunen of Champion, MI, David Lappi of Champion, MI, John (Judy) Lappi of Greer, SC, Peter (Andrea) Lappi of Chassell, MI, Thomas (Lori) Lappi of Newberg OR .

Aili was preceded in death by her parents, Matt (Amanda Ylinen) Lappi, of Champion, two sisters: Bertha Lindsteadt of Ishpeming, and Taimi Johnson of Warren, MI, three brothers: Lauri Lappi and Ernest Lappi, of Champion and MI State Police Officer George Lappi of Mount Morris, MI.

Memorial service will be held at the Champion Apostolic Lutheran Church on Saturday April 1 ^st , 2017 at 11:00 am with David Lappi officiating

Aili's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.