Frank Kyro

Obituary of Frank Kyro Frank O. Kyro, 82, a former resident of Chassell passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2004, at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock, where he had been a resident patient. Prior to that he had been a resident patient at Cypress Manor Nursing Home in Hancock. Frank was born August 7, 1922, in Elo Michigan, the son of Hjalmer & Alma (Maki) Kyro. His parents immigrated from Finland to the Upper Peninsula and Frank was one of thirteen children. His first language was Finnish and he conversed fluently in Finnish with his family, but as was the custom also learned English in school. He attended the Doelle School in Tapiola while working the family farm with his parents and siblings. In his youth Frank was also a proud member of the Pori CCC camp and continued to receive news of the CCC camps throughout his life. As a young man Frank moved downstate and learned the trade of masonry. In due time he became a talented and sought after brick layer. He used his talents on a number of homes and businesses in the Copper Country. His artistry in the field of bricklaying will be enjoyed for many years in the works he has left behind. Frank was a past president of the Bricklayers Union Local #6 and was a member of the union for forty years. During his career he worked for Gundlach Conctruction as well as Mattila Construction and in later years was self employed. His skills and sense of humor earned him both respect and friends throughout many communities. Frank enjoyed singing with his wife at community events over the years. He also displayed his acting abilities in a number of plays put on by both Suomi and MTU. On May 28, 1960, Frank married Phyllis Ann Niemi. Mr. & Mrs. Kyro moved to Pike River Road in Chassell to raise their family. Frank enjoyed honing his humor with practical jokes and storytelling. He had a dry wit and perfect sense of comedic timing when spinning a yarn. People smiled wherever he went in anticipation of the laughter that was sure to come. It was a gift he willingly shared with all who met him, and a gift he will be most remembered for. In the course of his life Frank enjoyed fishing at any time of the year, bowling, horseshoe, crossword puzzles, sports, raising chickens, working in his vegetable garden and cooking old time Finnish specialties. He also enjoyed traveling both near and far, be it spending time in the U.P. or flying to Finland and Sweden. He was a creative writer and a born entertainer. When his friends and family retell the jokes he used to tell, or remember time spent with him his legacy will live on. A legacy of laughter and love. He will be missed. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his son Cary Kyro, twelve siblings, and great grand son Cory Schutz. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Ann, daughter Sherry (Robert) Saarinen, of Quincy Hill, son Curtis Kyro of Hancock, daughter Kris Kyro of Ripley, daughter Linda Kyro of Houghton, son Frank S. Kyro of Chassell, stepson Paul R. Newberry of Chassell, step-daughter, Kerry L. (Norm) Johnson of Munising, 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Frank was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell, a former council member and choir member. Funeral services will be held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell, Saturday January 1, 2005, at 1 P.M. with Rev. Ted Koehl to officiate. Visitation will be from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the church on Saturday. Relatives & friends can view Frank's obituary & send condolences to the immediate family at www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Frank Kyro, please visit Tribute Store