Esther J. Sivula

Esther J.  Sivula, 91, of Iron River, MI, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Northstar Health System, Iron River. She was born September 26, 1923 in New York Mills, MN, the daughter of the late Eli and Hannah (Holmstrom) Hepokoski.  She attended the schools in New York Mills, graduating with the Class of 1941. Esther married Roy W. Sivula on March 3, 1946 in Chicago, IL, and the couple resided in Minnesota returning to Iron River in 1979 to make their home. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in 2014. Esther was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Iron River.  She served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and belonged to the women’s association. Esther enjoyed gardening, sewing, and spending time with her friends and family. The family is thankful to all the members of the First Presbyterian Church for meals delivered and all the kindness shown during the past two years while Esther was at home. She is survived by her husband, Roy; sons, Richard (Susan) Sivula of Anoka, MN, Paul (Signe)  Sivula of Savage, MN, Mark (Vicki) Sivula of  St. Louis Park, MN, and Eric Sivula of Iron River, MI; daughter, Nancy Nygard of St. Paul, MN; brothers, Melvin (Louise)  Hepokoski of Belen, NM, and Edward  Hepokoski of  Port Angeles, WA; sister, Mary Barnes of Palm Springs, CA; nine grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Eli, Reino, Charles and Aaron, and sisters, Marjorie and Ruth. Memorial services will be held Monday, February 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Iron River with the Pastor Dawn Treado Green to officiate. Interment will be in Glenhaven Cemetery, Crystal, MN. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Esther J. Sivula, please visit our flower store.