Robert Joel Kolehmainen

Redridge

Robert J. “Bert” Kolehmainen, 81, a resident of Redridge, MI, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at his home following an apparent heart attack.

Bert was born on July 7, 1944, in Trimountain, MI, to the late Henry and Olga (Marttila) Kolehmainen. He was a graduate of Houghton High School with the class of 1962. Following school, Bert enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in Korea during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, Bert completed a 2-year computer programming degree in Los Angeles, California, graduating at the top of his class.

In 1970, he was united in marriage to Sherry Fisher in Las Vegas and they remained very close friends through the years.

In 1971, the couple moved to Minnesota, where Bert began his 35-year career working for Maid of Scandinavia/Nordic Ware. He then returned to the Copper Country, where he enjoyed the outdoors: hunting, fishing, and 4-wheeling. He enjoyed the 4th of July celebrations. Bert was also a Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. Recently, he began enjoying warmer winters in Florida.

Preceding Bert in death besides his parents are his son Derek Kolehmainen, his sister Jean (Art) DeMars, his brothers, Jack Kolehmainen and Gordon (Sandra) Kolehmainen, and a sister-in-law, Gloria.

He is survived by his son, Brian (Michaela Sik) Kolehmainen of Minnesota

6 grandchildren

His brother: Floyd Kolehmainen

Sister-in-law Betty Ann Kolehmainen

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service for Robert will be held at 1 pm Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock with Pastor Jesse Aho to officiate. Burial with Military Honors will be held in the Liminga Cemetery.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 12 pm until the time of services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Bert’s family.

To view this obituary or to send condolences online to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

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