F. Rachel Heikkinen (Knuuttila) died June 6, 2023, in Novi at age 89

She was born February 15, 1934 in Oskar, Michigan to the late Jacob and Fannie (Finni) Knuuttila. She attended the Redridge School and graduated from Houghton High School. She was united in marriage to Douglas Carl Heikkinen on September 27, 1969 and they had 3 children: Julie, John, and Kristina. She was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Rachel worked for Chrysler until 1972 and then worked as South Lyon school crossing guard for 25 years. In her spare time, she loved to knit and crochet. 

She is survived by her daughter Julie (Kevin) Waters of South Lyon; son John (Jackie) Heikkinen of Howell; son-in-law Jeffrey Rogers of South Lyon; grandchildren Rachel, Sandra, and Kara Lazzaro; Oliver, Max, Elsa, and Thomas Heikkinen; and Brandon and Marissa Rogers; brother Robert (Lois) Knuuttila, sister Regina (Dave) Juntti, and brother-in-law David Hillstrom. She was preceded in death by her husband Douglas Heikkinen on June 25, 2010, her daughter Kristina Rogers, sisters Ruth (John) Salo and Rose (David) Hillstrom, and brothers Raymond Knuuttila and Reynold (Jeanne) Knuuttila.

Funeral services at 11:00 am on Friday, June 9, 2023 at First Apostolic Lutheran Church, 2970 Oak Grove Road, Howell, with final visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Loren Kangas to officiate.

Visitation from 4:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at First Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Interment at South Lyon Cemetery