Raymond Ojala

Obituary of Raymond Douglas Ojala Chassell Raymond D. Ojala, 82, a resident of Broemer Road, Chassell passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon July 13, 2013 at home with his family by his side. He was born on January 6, 1931, in Nisula, MI, a son of the late Toivo and Ethel (Pirkola) Ojala. As a child, Ray moved with his family from Keweenaw Bay to Hancock where he graduated from the Hancock High School with the class of 1950. He enjoyed many of his earlier years with family and friends at the Pirkola family farm in Pelkie. Ray began his working career as a Trackman for the D.S.S. & A. Railroad. He then enlisted with the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 serving in Korea. Following his service to his country, Ray returned to the Copper Country and followed the footsteps of his father and grandfather working for the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railroad and the Soo Line Railroad. Ray retired from the Wisconsin Central Railroad in 1993. In his early retirement, he spent his time caregiving for his wife and together they grew spectacular vegetable and flower gardens. After his wife passed away, he became a volunteer at the Portage Health information desk. Ray volunteered for about ten years until his health prevented him from continuing. On November 5, 1954, he was united in marriage to the former Dolores Stipech. Dolores preceded him in death in 1999. Mr. Ojala was an active member of St. Anne's Catholic Church of Chassell, the Alfred Erickson Post #186 American Legion of Hancock, Post #6507 VFW of Chassell and the Knights of Columbus Brotherhood Council #13224 of Chassell. Ray was a handyman that could do just about anything from building his own home to fixing any problem a friend would have. He enjoyed woodworking and refurbishing antiques. Up until his illness he loved attending the many of the local music festivals. Preceding him in death were his parents and his wife. Surviving are: His daughters: Naomi "Noni" Ojala of Chassell Nancy (Gary) Krueger of Paw Paw, MI Julie (Chanse) Linder of Laurium His grandchildren: Steven Linder, Anthony Linder, Holly Hereau, Ashley Krueger and Abigail Krueger His great granddaughters: Nevaeh Linder and Alora Linder His fiancé: Shirley Simula of Calumet His brothers & sisters: Fred (Carol) Ojala of Baraga Shirley Anderson of Houghton Canal Carol (Jim) Wilkinson of Wildwood, FL Robert (Mary Jane) Ojala of Hancock Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family. A Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond will be held 11 am Thursday July 18, 2013, at St. Anne's Catholic Church of Chassell with Fr. Al Mott to celebrate. Military Services and burial will be at the Lakeview Cemetery of Calumet at 1:30pm. Friends may call on Wednesday July 17, 2013, from 5 to 7 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell and on Thursday from 10 am until time of services at the church. To view Ray's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell is assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Raymond Ojala, please visit Tribute Store