Kenneth Wiitanen

Obituary of Kenneth Melvin Wiitanen Houghton Kenneth "Mel" Wiitanen, 85, a former resident of Green Acres Rd., Houghton, passed away Tuesday evening September 26, 2006, at the Portage Health Systems Hospital where he had been a patient for the past 2 days. Mel was born on December 19, 1920, in Painesdale, a son of the late Casper and Anna (Paavo) Wiitanen. As a child he moved with his family to Isle Royal #2 Location, Houghton. He attended the Houghton Schools where Mel was very athletic playing football, basketball and ran track. Mr. Wiitanen was a veteran having served with the United States Air Force during World War II. On October 22, 1944, he was united in marriage to the former Mae E. Raisanen and she preceded him in death on November 15, 2005. Mr. Wiitanen had moved to the Detroit area where he had worked for General Motors upon retirement he moved back to Houghton to make his home. Mel was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock a former member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of the Detroit area and D.A.V. Post #113 of Redford. Also preceding him in death was 1 sister: Katherine Siekas and 4 brothers: Elmer, Clarence, John and Ray. Surviving are: 3 Brothers: Carl (Lillian) Wiitanen of Gaylord Gordon Wiitanen of Petoskey Ronald (Carol) Wiitanen of Houghton Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins Funeral services for Mel will be held 11 a.m. Friday September 29, 2006, in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with Rev. Susan Odegard to officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton. Friends may call on Thursday September 28, 2006 from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock and on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. To view Mel's obituary or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Kenneth Wiitanen, please visit Tribute Store