Nina (Heilala) Bengtson

Nina Elizabeth Bengtson, 90, took the hands of God's angels, whom she honored and believed in all of her life, and joined her beloved husband and son in Heaven on Saturday, August 21st, surrounded with the love and presence of her family. Nina, the oldest of her family, peacefully continued her journey into heavenly eternity, while the youngest, her 8-week-old great grandson Markus, laid at her feet smiling and kicking, reminding us that life is an ever-revolving gift from God, both on Earth and in Heaven.

Nina was born February 11, 1920 in Beacon (Champion) to John and Jennie Heilala but soon moved to Ishpeming where she spent most of her life. Always a dedicated student, she graduated with top honors from Ishpeming High School and Northern Normal (now NMU). A courageous young woman, she ventured out to teach away from home in both Lansing and Manistique, before returning to Ishpeming to marry the love of her life, Chester (Chet) on June 8, 1946, spending the next 60 years at his side. The first years of their life together, they dedicated to raising 4 children, supporting their educational endeavors and cultivating their love of music. Nina should be remembered in the Blue Note Hall of Fame for the number of uniforms she lovingly washed and ironed any hour of the day or night, the numerous pasties she baked and packed for road trips, and the weekends spent traveling to parades and competitions. Nina returned to teaching after the birth of her youngest child and continued to teach in the Ishpeming Schools until her retirement in 1982. At that time, Nina and Chet enjoyed bus trips throughout the country and an international trip to trace their roots, but spent most of their time at the Drift Inn, their camp on the Dead River Basin, where Nina picked thousands of pails of blueberries and made as many pies to be enjoyed repeatedly by hundreds of guests, including the meter reader who knew he could always stop for a luscious treat and coffee break. Nina will be remembered for all her delicious bakery, especially homemade graham rye bread, Korppu, her prune tarts at Christmas, and the cardamon coffee cakes she made into Christmas trees, which she lovingly shared with all her neighbors.

Nina is survived and will be lovingly missed by 3 children: John (Michigamme), Christine Hissong (Green Bay) and Kathleen Bengtson (Ishpeming); 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren: Rachel (Lance) Carlson and their children, Jasper, Kemaya, and Salem; Rebecca (Zak) Jones and their children, Alaska and Markus; Andrew Tyler; and Kate Ellis and her daughter Kaytlinn. She will be fondly remembered by her sister Mary Doney, sisters-in-law Ruth Numikoski and Hia Bengtson, numerous nieces and nephews, thousands of students she taught to read and write, and the friends she has left behind. She has rejoined her loving husband Chet and son George who predeceased her in 2007 and 2008 respectfully.

Nina was a dedicated member of Bethel Lutheran Church throughout her life, participating faithfully in the Martha Circle and with the Lutheran Church Women. We invite you to join us in honoring and celebrating Mom's life on August 25th at Bethel Lutheran Church, with visitation at noon, a memorial service at 1:00, and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please plant a memorial flower in your garden to honor Nina's love of flowers or make a contribution to a charity of your choice. The family suggests Bethel Lutheran Sunday School to honor Nina's love for both her church and the education of children, or the Alzheimer Association of Marquette County.

The family wishes to give special thanks and love to Aunts Mary and Ruth for their faithful and loving visits during Mom's residency at Eastwood Nursing Center these past 5 years, and to the compassionate staff there who made Nina part of their family and treated her with love, dignity, and extra cups of coffee. Your loving kindness will always bring smiles to our hearts.

Mom, you taught us many lessons. Thank you for teaching us that we don't need to have the best of everything, but to make the best of everything we have. And we especially thank you for your delightful sense of humor. You always said that Dad was the head of the family, but you were the neck that turned the head. Now that you have lovingly reunited with him, go turn that head again! Know that you will be loved, missed, and remembered with fondness forever.

Nina's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where you may access and sign the guestbook.