Ishpeming – Kathryn Ellen Wirtala, age 71, a longtime Ishpeming resident passed away on March 17, 2021 at the Trillium House in Marquette where she had the opportunity to spend time with family and lifelong friends.

Kathryn was born February 6, 1950 in Ishpeming to John R. and Emily N. (Nicholas) Kivisto.  Kathy graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1968 and received 2 Bachelor of Science degrees from Michigan Technological University, one in mathematics and one in business administration.  Kathy also held a CPA license in the State of Michigan.

After college, Kathy worked for Bell Telephone and worked as a CPA in Marquette County, Madison, Wisconsin and Lansing, Michigan.

Kathy was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church where she belonged to Deborah Circle and as a young adult was the church organist, who provided music at many weddings and funerals.  Kathy enjoyed cooking, quilting, and reading.  She will be remembered for her kind heart and generous spirit.

Kathy is survived by 3 sons: Matthew (Laura) Wirtala Portland, OR, Jacob (Corrie) Wirtala of Helsinki, Finland and Peter Wirtala of Chicago, IL, 4 grandsons: Felix, Milo, Calvin and Henry Wirtala, a brother, Peter (Susan) Kivisto of Rock Island, IL, twin sister, Kay Herrala of Ishpeming, niece and nephew, Sarah (Ben) Kivisto of Princeton, IA, and Aaron (Katie) Kivisto of Carmel, IN and their sons Max and Kai.  Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, and brother-in-law Kenneth Herrala.

A graveside service will be held at the Ishpeming Cemetery on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating.

Memorial gifts can be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming or the Trillium House in Marquette in memory of Kathy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Marquette County Medical Care Facility, UP Home Health and Hospice and especially the staff at the Trillium House.

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

Kathy's graveside service can be listened to here.