Lydia Ann Wheale, 55, of Cloquet, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012 in Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth. She was born in Aitkin, the daughter of Edward and June Piispanen. Lydia was a 1975 graduate of Aitkin High School. She married David Wheale on June 18, 1977.

Lydia was employed at Pinewood and worked with the physically and mentally disabled most of her working life. She was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Lydia loved spending time with her granddaughters and doing crafts. She enjoyed camping, spending time in the outdoors, and the motorcycle trips with Dave.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Linda Piispanen; and mother-and father-in-law, William and Barbara Wheale.

Lydia is survived by her husband, David, of Cloquet; sons, Kristofer and Matthew (Nicole), both of Cloquet; granddaughters, Clara and Ada; brother, Daryle (Sharon) Piispanen of McGregor and sisters, Carol (Dennis) Statsman of Grand Rapids and Donna (James) Blomberg of Silver Bay.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 16, 2012 in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Cloquet. Private family inurnment was in New Calvary Cemetery, Cloquet. In lieu of flowers, consider a plant or a memorial to Cloquet Special Olympics.