Reuben Paavola

Obituary of Reuben "Achie/Archie" Eugene Paavola HANCOCK CANAL, Mich. - Reuben Achie/Archie Paavola, 78, of Hancock Canal passed away Wednesday, July 8, after a nine-year battle with cancer. Born May 17, 1937 to Eleanor (Luttinen) and Reuben Paavola, he grew up in Hancock and graduated from Hancock Central High School in 1956 where he lettered in football and track & field. He was a proud member and past president of the Hillside Athletic Club. He played hockey for the Portage Lake Pioneers and Milwaukee Admirals.Achie married Lucille (Franz) Paavola on Aug. 1, 1959. Together they shared 56 years of marriage and were blessed with four children: Cindy Paavola of Marquette, Sandy (Roger) Stromer of Chassell; Debbie Paavola (Wautoma, Wis.) and Rod Paavola (Tiffany) of Hancock.He was a welder/pipefitter and a member of the U.P. Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local 111. Upon retirement, he began a thriving clock repair business. He was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.Achie was also an inventor, organic hobby farmer, woodworker and musician. However, his all-time favorite role was that of Grampa to Steve (Diana) Stromer of Franktown, Colo.; Brian, Cully, Betsy and Kyle Stromer, of Chassell; and Dylan and Aili Paavola of Hancock. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jane Sporer, brother-in-law Don Franz; nieces Linda Brundage, Dawn Galarita and Jamie Sopher; nephews Boyd Paavola, Pete Paavola, Don Franz Jr. and Michael Sporer; and several cousins.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Rodney Paavola. A time to remember Achie with his family will be held from 1-3 p.m., Sunday July 12, 2015, followed by a memorial service at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Hancock Public Schools Foundation (501 Campus Drive, Hancock, MI 49930) and designated to the Bulldog Varsity Hockey Team or the Omega House (2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931). Condolences may be expressed online at www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Reuben "Achie/Archie" Paavola, please visit Tribute Store