Wesley Harjala

Obituary of Wesley Samuel Harjala Hancock, Wesley S. Harjala, 88, a resident of Hancock passed away suddenly Saturday May 13, 2017, at the UP Health - Portage Hospital. He was born on October 14, 1928, in Gay, MI, a son of the late John and Viola (Haltunen) Harjala. Wesley was raised in Copper City and graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1943. He then graduated from Michigan Technological University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Harjala was a veteran having served with the United States Army during the Korean War. On January 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to the former Shirley Marie Kangas. The couple had resided in Detroit, while Wesley worked for Ford Motor Company and in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while he worked for McCullough Corporation. They moved to Hancock, Michigan when he accepted a position in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Michigan Technological University, retiring in 1986, as an Assistant Professor. Mr. Harjala was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock, where he had taught Sunday School for many years. In retirement, he enjoyed cross country skiing, fishing, woodworking projects and cutting and splitting wood to burn in the winters. Preceding him in death were his parents; his brothers and sisters; Elmer, Arthur, Albert, Edward, Lila Maki, Leonard and Leona Wolverton. Surviving are: His wife: Shirley Harjala of Hancock His children: Carol Berger of Tucson, AZ Paul Harjala of Minneapolis, MN Keith Harjala of Hancock Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins Funeral services for Wesley will be held 11 am Thursday May18, 2017, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock with Pastors Jesse Aho and Paul Marin to officiate. Burial will be in the Liminga Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday May 17, 2017, from 5 to 8 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock and on Thursday May 18, from 10 am until time of services at the funeral home. To view Wesley's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements.Service Information To send flowers to the family of Wesley Harjala, please visit Tribute Store