James Ahola

Obituary of James Edward Ahola Hancock JAMES E. AHOLA, 61, local businessman and Funeral Director, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2007, at Marquette Medical Center shortly after being admitted. He was born in Hancock on July 27, 1946, son of the former Lillian (Pyykkonen) and the late Wilbert Ahola. Jim attended the local schools and graduated from Hancock High School with the class of 1964. He also graduated from Suomi College and Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1968. He was united in marriage to the former Christine Lindeman on October 2, 1965 and the couple have resided in Hancock since. Mr. Ahola worked as a Licensed Funeral Director in the area. He was a partner in four funeral homes until 1985 when he purchased the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock. Prior to being a funeral director, Mr. Ahola had founded and operated the Mercy Ambulance Service for 10 years. Jim was a member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock and had served on the church council and endowment committee of the church. He was an active community minded person being involved in many organizations. Presently, Jim was involved with the Copper Country Kiwanis Club, The Masonic Lodge, the Portage Health Foundation Board, and the Michigan Funeral Directors Association where he was a past District Director. Mr. Ahola was a past member of the Hancock Fire Department for 28 years serving the last 21 years as Chief, a former member of the Hancock School Board, the Copper Country Shriner's where he served as Hospital Chairman, the B.P.O.E. # 381 of Hancock where he was a past Exalted Ruler, the Wyandotte Hills Golf Club for over 30 years and numerous other organizations. Jim enjoyed helping people and spending time with his family at his cottage at their Lake Gerald. He was preceded in death by his father Wilbert Ahola. Surviving are his wife: Christine of Hancock His Daughter: Connie Ahola of Hancock His son: Neil (Tammy) Ahola of Hancock His grandson: Zachary James Ahola of Hancock His mother: Lillian Sterbis, a resident patient at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility His Sister: Carol (John) Henderson of Flagstaff & Scottsdale, AZ His brother: Jon (Carole) Ahola of Hancock His Aunt: Ellen Marke of Houghton Several nieces, nephews, and cousins The funeral service for Mr. Ahola will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock with Rev. Jimalee Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. In lieu of expressions of sympathy the family suggests memorials to the Oak House Trip Fund or the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, both in Hancock. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock with the assistance of Karl Peterson of the Peterson Funeral Service and Jack Reid of The Reid Funeral Service have been assisting the family. To view Jim's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of James Ahola, please visit Tribute Store