Brainerd, MN – Pirjo Liisa Hill, age 73 of 1501 S.E. 8th St. Apt. 2, Brainerd, MN 56401 and former Ishpeming resident passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 while in the loving care of her family.

Pirjo was born April 22, 1943 in Lappeenranta, Finland to Johan & Vieno (Kynsilehto) Poytakangas. She was raised near Oulu, Finland. Pirjo attended a trade school in Kuusamo, Finland where she studied textiles and made her own traditional Finnish dress, which she cherished. At the age of 21, Pirjo moved to the United States. She completed her high school education in Libertyville, Illinois while caring for a disabled relative. She then moved to South Range, Michigan where she met and fell in love with her husband. Kenneth and Pirjo were married December 21, 1968 in Hancock, Michigan. They were blessed with twelve children which they raised in South Range, Marquette and Ishpeming. She attended nursing school after having her children. It was quite an accomplishment for Pirjo to receive a degree with English being her second language while raising a large family.

Pirjo loved music, gardening and baking. She could be found early morning in her extensive gardens. She was an active member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church. She was known for her cardamom bread "pulla" and she shared her recipe for church fundraising. She loved being with her family. Her whole face would light up when her family and grandchildren would visit.

Pirjo loved her job as a nurse. She worked at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans and grew attached to many of the residents. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 51 and battled the disease with courage and grace until the end. Pirjo was blessed with a loving husband who devoted himself to her care. She had a beautiful, warm smile and a lovely sense of humor that we will sorely miss.

Pirjo is survived by her husband Kenneth Hill, 11 children: Leila Hill of Mukilteo, WA, Lisa (Michael) Kuopus of Ishpeming, Sara E. Coss of Mill Creek, WA, Jana (Chad) Mattila of St. Michael, MN, Rita (Harley) Lang of Kirkland, WA, Eric (Niina) Hill of Buffalo, MN, Peter (Sue) Hill of Negaunee, Tina (Carl) Hoikka of St. Louis Park, MN, Michael (Emily) Hill of Negaunee, Paula (David) Vilkama of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Hannah (Brian) Jurmu of Big Lake, MN. Brothers- Tauno (Seija) Poytakangas of Oulu, Finland, Erkki (Arja) Poytakangas of Oulu, Finland, Heikki Poytakangas of Finland. Sisters- Paula (Juhani) Nyberg of Oulu, Finland, Vuokko Ratinen of Surte, Sweden. Brother-in-law, Carl (Evelyn) Hill of Lodi, Wiscosin and sister-in-law, MaryAnn (Ronald) Meredith of Ishpeming. 51 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. Pirjo was preceded in death by her parents, Johan and Vieno Poytakangas, and a son, John K. "Jussi" Hill.

Funeral services for Pirjo will be held at 12:00 noon Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Laestadian Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Walter Lampi officiating. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery. Pirjo's family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday at the Laestadian Lutheran Church from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon.

Pirjo's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .