Joanne Kivi

Joanne Kivi, 88, died after a lengthy illness November 2, 2026, with her daughter by her bedside in Keizer, Oregon. She was born February 1, 1938, at home during a snowstorm in Erwin Township, Ironwood, Michigan. She was the daughter of Uno and Elma (Luoma) Kivi.

Joanne attended Erwin Central School through 8th grade. She played the cornet in the school band and painted in Mrs. Silberg's after-school art class. She graduated in 1956 from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, Michigan.

After graduating she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then later to Chicago where she lived her whole adult life - mainly on Sheridan Road not owning a car and using public transportation. In retirement she moved to Oregon to live near her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Excelling in organizational skills, diligence, and reliability her professional occupations were in office and executive secretarial positions in Chicago with the following companies: WearEver Cookware, Cutco Division of Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA), an answering service in the Hollywood Towers building (a second job on evenings and weekends), Deloitte & Touche, and Organics LaGrange.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents and older siblings and their spouses: sister, Doris; brother, Raymond (Frances); brother David; and sister, Corrine (Frank). She is survived by sister, Lois (Bud); daughter, Tammy (Bob); grandchildren, Ric (Emily) and Hannah (Ryan); three great grandchildren: Amber, Sawyer, Stone; many beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Joanne's legacy of loving devotion, generosity, kindness, and resilience (Finnish Sisu) lives on. She was proud of her hometown and her Finnish heritage. In 1998 she traveled to Finland with childhood friend, Phyllis Ketola D'Antonio (they traveled to many places). She was a pleased supporter of the Erwin Township Historical Society.

Joanne maintained her sense of humor until the very end and shared gratitude daily with her family and caregivers at Keizer Bonaventure and Gracious Care Hospice. Her health especially struggled the past few months and for years as dementia and Alzheimer's set into her mind. We were able to worship together as she took her last breath. A fitting verse for her homegoing is Luke 11:2. Her battle is finally over, and she is at rest with the Lord.

A family gathering in her honor will take place at Thanksgiving.

Gifts in her memory can be made at some of the places she supported: Erwin Township Historical Society; Salem, Oregon, Union Gospel Mission; or His Wonders Ministry in Costa Rica.