Carole Enstrom

Surviving are her husband, Jim Tikkanen; daughters, Lisa (Sergei) Casper of Hancock and Aurora Williams of Marquette; her son, Roderic ‘Eric’ Enstrom of Colorado; grandchildren: Devin and Tai; Alice, Tristan, Dax, and Betty Lou; stepchildren, Heidi (Louie) Verville and Luke (Toni) Tikkanen; and five stepgrandchildren: Reese, Brody, Brock, Vivian and Joliet. Surviving also are her two sisters, Kay (Joe) Arcand of Quinnesec and Connie (Larry) Sandri of Texas, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Carole was born Oct. 7, 1942, in Crystal Falls, to Rudolph J. and Edith I. (Anderson) Enstrom and graduated from Crystal Falls (Forest Park) High School.

Carole had a unique childhood which shaped her life. The daughter of Rudolph J. Enstrom, Enstrom Helicopter founder and engineer, Carole spent long hours working with her dad in his machine shop. She shared his interest in building, designing, and fixing things. Her talents ranged from carpentry to clothing design.

Carole was an entrepreneur throughout her life. She applied her creativity and skills to managing and upgrading properties, and a range of many projects. An Upper Peninsula native, she attended Northern Michigan University.

Fiercely independent, as a young person, she traveled to Europe and New York expanding her horizons. A lover of the southwest, she created homes in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Ultimately, she returned to her roots to be closer to family, run her businesses, and create a life with her beloved husband, Jim.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Koskey Funeral Home in Negaunee on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Carole’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.