Obituary of Leena Anneli Schmeltz

Leena Anneli Schmeltz, 65, of Bettendorf died Friday, January 8, 2010, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Memorial services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bettendorf at 11am on Wednesday, January 13 with Pastor Richard Pokora officiating. A luncheon will follow the services at the church. Burial will be at a later date in Ishpeming, Michigan. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Alter Guild of Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Scott County Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Leena Anneli Alasimi was born April 12, 1944, in Kalajoki, Finland, the daughter of Tauno and Aili Sonninen Alasimi. At the age of 11 years she and her family moved to the United States settling in Ishpeming, Michigan. She moved to the Quad Cities nearly 38 years ago where she raised her two daughters and was a very active member of her community. Leena’s life was filled with travel, a love of music and laughter, but most of all her family and friends were foremost in her life. Her family includes her two daughters, Lisa Marie Schmeltz of Prospect Heights, IL, and Linda Aili Schmeltz of Venice, CA; 2 brothers and their wives, Paavo Alasimi (Jacqueline) of Rochester, NY, and Esko Alasimi (Barbara) of Negaunee, MI; her sister and her husband, Riitta Yuhas (Wally) of Ishpeming, MI; and two nieces Seija Alasimi Kenn (Pete) and Jillian Alasimi all of Negaunee, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is assisting Leena’s family in her services.