Martha M. Kuukari

Martha Marie Kuukari died Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the age of 99 years at Viewcrest Nursing Home in Duluth, MN. Martha was born on January 31, 1914 in Biwabik, Mn to John and Marie (Alapoti) Halfors. She attended elementary school in Markham, MN and secondary in Aurora. On April 28, 1934 she married Leonard Kuukari in Chisholm, MN. Upon marriage, the two lived in Eveleth for several years. In 1947, they built a home in Aurora where they remained until their move to Viewcrest Nursing Home in 2001. Martha loved sports and seldom missed a Twins game on television or radio. She worked as a clerk for the Cluett Peabody Shirt Factory, and later the Aurora Drug and Variety Store for over 20 years. She was a Constituent member of the Aurora United Methodist Church, and a member of the Aurora Senior Citizens. Upon retirement in 1970, Martha and Leonard enjoyed wintering in Deleon Springs, Florida, and spent summers at their cabin on Comstock Lake and their home in Aurora. Martha and Leonard had a long and wonderful working life and retirement together, which they truly loved and appreciated. During the past approximately 12 years Martha had been a resident of Viewcrest Nursing Home in Duluth. The staff at Viewcrest Nursing Home are greatly appreciated for their kindness and help to both Martha and Leonard during their stay. Survivors include her son John (Janice) Kuukari of Duluth; her brother Lester (Delphi) Halfors of Iron, MN; daughter-in-law Lorraine Kuukari of Duluth; three grandchildren, Liisa Kuukari-Fitzgibbons of Duluth, Lorrie (Scott) Bradt of Duluth, and Scott (Mary) Kuukari who reside in the Twin Cities. Martha had six great grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leonard, son Leonard Lyle Kuukari, and grandson Nathan Charles Kuukari. A memorial service has been scheduled for Wednesday April 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Aurora Methodist Church.