Anja M. Kippola (Mrs. Arnold Kippola) of Ishpeming, age 88, passed away on Thursday January 8, 2009 at Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.

She was born June 6, 1920 at Ironwood, Michigan to William and Anna Nurmi. Anja grew up north of Hurley, Wisconsin, where she attended the Defer School, and was a 1938 graduate of Hurley High School.

Anja moved to Detroit in 1940, and she contributed to the war effort working at Woodall Industries during World War II. She was married to Arnold Kippola in 1945. They lived in Detroit and Plymouth until 1970 when they moved to Ishpeming. Anja was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.

She is survived by her husband, Arnold, two sons, Jerry (Jeri) of Ishpeming and James (Jan) of Negaunee, four grandchildren, Megan (Christopher) Penney, Aaron, James, and Leah (Alex Budnick), one niece, Jean (Keith) Sorrick , and three nephews, William (Doris), Robert (Pam Wooten), and Leonard (Ann) Nurmi.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 10th at three o'clock preceding a simple service at four o'clock at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with Pastor Kenneth Lahners presiding. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at Trinity Lutheran Church, 414 East Ridge Street in Ishpeming.

Honorary pallbearers are her precious grandchildren, Megan, Leah, Aaron, and James. Burial will be at Ishpeming Cemetery.

Anja's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.