Republic, MI- Dorothy Alice Heinonen, age 95, of Republic, passed away on Thursday October 3, 2024, at UP Health System Bell in Ishpeming. Born on December 14, 1928, in Republic Township, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Aili Marie (Carlson) and Arne Anselm Kerkela.

Dorothy was a 1947 graduate of Republic High School. Following high school, she ran the Past Time Lanes bowling alley in Republic for a few years, drove school bus for the Republic School District prior to working as a Lab Technician at CCI and was notably the first female employee of Cleveland Cliffs in 1981.

Dorothy was a dedicated member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic and was actively involved in her community, where she was instrumental in the creation of the Heritage Gardens and was passionate about her own flower gardens. Dorothy was an accomplished bowler and was included as one of the first four inductees into the Marquette County Bowlers Hall of Fame. She loved playing cards, always trying to win. Dorothy was always happy spending time at camp with family and friend at Squaw Lake where she could be found trolling for rainbow trout.

She is survived by her daughter Sandy (Doug) Kaleva, grandson Kurt (Barbie) Kaleva, great-granddaughter Tori, three sisters Shirley Martin, Darlene Kerkela, Donna Mattila, and a brother Bob (Nancy) Kerkela, brother-in-law Kenny Hannula, sister-in-law Roberta Kerkela, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, husband Elmer, sisters Bernice Hannula and Diane Kerkela, brother James Kerkela, and brothers-in-law Dale Martin and Jay Mattila.

Honoring Dorothy wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Republic Cemetery with Rev. Alex Ross officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic in memory of Dorothy.

Dorothy's memory will be cherished by her family and friends, and her obituary can be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where messages of remembrance may be left.