Paul Matthew Puuri

White Pine

     Paul Matthew Puuri, age 95, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at his home in White Pine. 

     Paul was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 9, 1928. He was baptized in Apostolic Lutheran Church. During his growing-up years, Paul lived with his family on their family farm. 

     Paul went to school in Liminga for kindergarten through 8th grade; Redridge for 9^th-10^th grades. Paul graduated from Houghton high school in 1946. 

     On April 8, 1950, Paul was united in marriage to Lucille Helen Bekkala. 

Paul worked in the Freida mill from 1950-1953, testing ore for the White Pine Copper Mine.  He also worked in Ishpeming as an auto mechanic at Ford Motor D&C sales and service. 

     Paul, wife, and family moved to White Pine, Michigan in 1954. Paul worked for Copper Range Company (White Pine Copper) as a mill shift foreman. He retired in 1987. 

     Paul and his wife were long-time members of Faith Lutheran Church in White Pine, Michigan until the church was consolidated with Lutheran Church in Ontonagon, Michigan. Paul had helped with building and yard maintenance at Faith Lutheran Church for many years.  Paul and his wife also were friends of the Methodist Church in White Pine. 

     Paul enjoyed biking, cross-country skiing, reading, gardening, playing guitar, traveling, visiting family and friends, and attending music jamborees.

     Paul was preceded in death by his loving, devoted wife Lucille (Bekkala) Puuri, infant son Robin Puuri, parents Matt and Emma (Porkka) Puuri, brothers Edwin, Ted, John, Robert, and Carl, sisters Kathryn (Karkkinen) and Ruth (Denofre).

     He is survived by his son David (Vicki) Puuri, daughter Sharon (Brent) Olson, daughter Susan (Joseph) Duda, son Dan (Lorraine) Puuri; grandchildren: Courtney (Sean) Barrett, Geoffrey

Puuri, Michael Duda, Kevin (Amy) Duda, Rachel Puuri, Iylea Olson, Josh (Colleen) Puuri, Drew Olson, Jason (Kortney) Puuri, Joe (Arielle) Puuri; ten great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, and nieces. 

     Paul will be sadly missed by his family and friends, to whom he gave much love with being so caring, humble, and kind. His spontaneous smile, quick wit and chuckle will be remembered. 

     Funeral services for Paul will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church at 400 Ingot St, in Hancock, Michigan 49930.  Burial will be later this spring in the Liminga Cemetery. 

     A visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on April 1, 2023, from 10:00 am until time of the funeral. 

     To view Paul’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

     The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.