Edward Haarala

Obituary of Edward Arthur Haarala Chassell Edward A. Haarala, age 87, of Paradise Road in Chassell, peacefully entered into eternal rest early Saturday morning, May 24, 2008. Edward was born on September 26, 1920 in Chassell to the late Sofia and Gust P. Haarala and was a lifelong resident of Chassell. He married Erma Tuomi on July 14, 1956. They were married for 51 years and were members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell. He grew up on the Haarala family farm as one of 12 children. As a young man, he became the head of the family when his father passed away and helped to put his younger brothers and sisters who were still at home through school. He was a hard working dairy and potato farmer his entire life and received the honor of Master Farmer of the Year in 1974. Ed was a kind and gentle soul who always put others needs in front of his own. Never one to complain, his positive attitude was up-lifting. His quick wit and sense of humor always came across and made one laugh and feel good. He enjoyed the simple things in life, like spending time with family and friends, going on Sunday picnics, picking strawberries, watching Lawrence Welk and Suomi Kutsuu, and taking kids on hayrides. Ed and Erma cherished the time that they were able to spend with their grandson, Peter, who lived with them while a student at Michigan Tech. Ed was very loved and will be missed by all. Preceding him in death were his wife, Erma; his son, Rodney Haarala; parents, Sofia and Gust P. Haarala; brothers, Bill, John, and Paul; and sisters, Anna, Bertha, Helen and Ila. He is survived by his two daughters, Judy (George) Iwanski of Marquette and Jane (David) Caldwell of Denver; four grandchildren, Peter and Holly Haarala, and Megan and Kirsten Iwanski; his brother, Matt (Marge) Haarala; his sisters, Ruth (Cal) Ojanen, Miriam Hiltunen and Martha Nippa and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and good friends. Visitation for Ed will be held Friday, May 30, 2008 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel Funeral home in Chassell. The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Chassell, on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.; friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the Fellowship Hall of the Church. To view Ed's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Edward Haarala, please visit Tribute Store