Harold Markham

Obituary of Harold Joseph Markham Onnela Harold Markham, 92, of Onnela, entered eternal life on Sunday, May 24, 2015, at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility where he had been residing for the last two years. Prior to that he resided at the Bluffs Senior Community in Houghton. Harold was born on February 10, 1923, son of the late Walter and Bertha (Collins) Markham on the family farm in Onnela. Harold attended the Onnela School. At the beginning of World War II Harold was working as a logger along the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. Harold enlisted in the Army Air Corps, which later became the Air Force, on March 10, 1943. Harold graduated on December 2, 1943, from Airplane Mechanics Course at AAF Technical School, North Carolina. He served three years, mostly in the Pacific from New Guinea to Japan. He was decorated with an Air Medal for Meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in the Pacific Area from April to August 1945. He married Lillian Isabelle Olson on September 16, 1950, in Dollar Bay. She preceded him in death on February 16, 2005. After the war, Harold graduated from the Utilities Engineering Institute in Chicago, Illinois, with a diploma in Auto Body and Fender Craftsmanship. He owned his own shop on the bottom of Van Ordens Hill in Houghton. After 12 years he sold his shop and finished his career as a member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local Union No. 7. He was honored on November 18, 1993 for 25 years of service. Harold was an honored guest at the 2005 Logging Congress banquet in Marquette, Michigan to commemorate the Logging Congress 60th anniversary. He was one of wo people recognized that had attended the first Congress in 1945 in Twin Lakes, Michigan. Besides his parents and wife he was preceded in death by one sister, Barbara Bissinger; one brother Charles Markham Sr., on son Stephen Markham; one daughter, Joyce Bonen; and one grandson Allan Suvanto. He is survived by two daughters: Michele (Ray) Wirtanen of Chassell, Karen (Scott) Hillstead of Winchester, Tennessee; Two sons: Harold Markham Jr. of Onnela; Michael (Lori) Markham Sr., of Hancock Canal; two brothers, Walter Markham, of Iron Mountain, Michigan; Robert Markham of Onnela; two sisters; Alice Phillips of Central Pointe, Oregon; Nell Kerr of Misery Bay; son-in-law, Andre Bonen of Onnela; daughter-in-law, Cindy Markham of Houghton; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Harolds family is greatly appreciative for the wonderful care provided by the staff at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility. A prayer service for Harold will be held 10 am Friday May 29, 2015, at the Plowe Funeral Home of Houghton with Fr. John Martignon to officiate. The Copper Country Veterans Association will hold military honors at the funeral home. Friends may call on Friday from 9 am until time of services at the Plowe Funeral Home of Houghton. To view Harolds obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapelnet. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes have been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Harold Markham, please visit Tribute Store