Ishpeming- Florence L. Kestila, age 84, lifelong Ishpeming resident, passed away on Saturday July 13, 2019 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of her family, nursing home staff, and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Florence was born in Ishpeming on April 9, 1935, daughter to the late Alger and Olga (Pope) Bengson. She attended Ishpeming High school graduating with the class of 1953. Following graduation, she worked for Bell Telephone and later was a homemaker raising three boys.  She later returned to the work force and worked for 17 years at Cleveland Cliffs, as a switchboard operator and later in the offset printing department.

Florence married Reino Kestila on January 26 ^th , 1957 at the Wesley United Methodist church in its former downtown location.  After their marriage, they resided in Marquette for a short time and then permanently moved to Ishpeming.

Florence was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming for her entire life.  She was active as a monthly pasty worker, nursing home visitor, as well as the Wesley crafters group.  She volunteered at the Bell Memorial Auxiliary for many years.  The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations or memorials be made in her name to the Wesley United Methodist Church or the Auxiliary at Bell Memorial Hospital.

Florence enjoyed being around her family and loved her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She played cards with her same card club friends for over 50 years.  She had many hobbies and interests that included knitting, reading, quilting and Swedish weaving.

Florence is survived by her husband- Reino Kestila of Ishpeming, MI; 3 sons- Larry (Lori) Kestila of Frisco, TX, Brian (Becky) Kestila of Ishpeming, MI, David (Roxanne Oja) Kestila of Ishpeming, MI; 2 sisters- Sharon (Matthew) Amel of Altoona, FL, Janet (David) Laitinen of Ishpeming, MI; 6 grandchildren- Curtis (Heather) Kestila of Little Elm, TX, Derek (Natalie) Kestila of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Jamie (Dave) Korpi of Escanaba, MI, Kyle (Sheenah) Kestila of Ishpeming, MI, Rae-Anna (John) Peters of Ishpeming, MI, Tara Kestila of Ishpeming, MI; 7 great grandchildren- Deacon, Gunner, Asher, Hallie, Ansley, Xavier, Kyla; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother- Marvin Bengson.

Florence's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until 11:00am on Thursday July 18, 2019 at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming. Florence's funeral service will start at 11:00am with Rev. Matt Osborne officiating. Following the service there will be a luncheon in the church hall. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Florence's family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility and UP Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care and many kindnesses extended to Florence and her family.

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

Florence's funeral service recording may be listened to here .