Wesley I. Byykkonen

Hancock

Wesley I. Byykkonen, 87, a resident of Hancock, passed away Monday, June 23, 2025, at Canal View -- Houghton County, where he had been a resident patient for the past month.

He was born on July 27, 1937, in Elo, MI,a son of the late John and Lempi (Koupus) Byykkonen.  Wes was raised in Elo and attended the John A. Doelle School.  He later received his GED from Hancock Central High School in 1976.

Mr. Byykkonen was a veteran having served with the United States Army being stationed in Germany.

On July 2, 1960, he was united in marriage to former Ann Kangas.  The couple had made their home on Quincy Hill for many years as they raised their family and have moved to make their home in Hancock in more recent years.

Wes then began a career as a heavy EquipmentOperator working for various construction companies and was a proud member of the Operators Union #324.

Mr. Byykkonen was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock, he enjoyed camping with his family, traveling with his wife Ann, golfing, bowling, Ice Fishing, following the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.  He also was a former member of the Hancock Elks and Eagles clubs. In retirement, he also enjoyed wintering in Florida for several years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his brothers: Robert, Howard, Edward, and Arthur. His sisters: Florence Ketola, Sally Johnson, Alma Eilola, and Nancy Kline.

Surviving are: His wife: Ann Byykkonen of Hancock His daughters: Michele (Douglas) Reed of Gresham, WI   Deb (Jim) Gau of Hancock; His grandchildren: Justus (Angela) Gau of Indianapolis, IN, & Roseanne (Jon Whitman) Cecchi of Green Bay, WI; His great-grandchildren: Cooper Whitman and Stella Whitman; His sisters & brother: Ruth Maki of Florida, Esther Bohto a resident patient at Portage Pointe in Hancock, & Harry (Donna) Byykkonen of Chassell; Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

A Memorial Service for Wes will be held 11:00 am Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel with Pastor Jesse Aho and Arvo Onermaa to officiate.  Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock.

Friends may call on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 10:00 am until time of services at the Memorial Chapel Funeral &Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel.     Wes's family would like to thank the staff of Canal View – Houghton County for the care given to Wes during his stay.

To view Wes's obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

TheMemorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service - Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.