Obituaries

Shirley Mae Niemi

Jan 6, 2025

Dodgeville,

Shirley Niemi formerly of Douglas House Apts and Dodgeville, passed away on 1/06/25 at the age of 86 years old.

She was born in May of 1938 in Trout Creek. She was the daughter of Frank & Elizabeth (Tiura) Aho. She spent early days in Trout Creek, Greenland & Trimountain.

Shirley graduated...

Bertha C. Maki

Jan 2, 2025

Hancock Canal

Bertha C. Maki, 94, a resident of the Hancock Canal passed away Thursday January 2, 2025, at the Omega House in Houghton.

She was born on August 12, 1930, in Chassell, a daughter of the late Matt and Aliina (Laulumaa) Aho. Bertha was raised in Chassell and was a graduate of the Chassell...

Melvin Luokka

Jan 1, 2025

ATLANTIC MINE- Melvin "Mel" Luokka, 87, a former resident of Atlantic Mine, passed away

Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Canal View – Houghton County where he had been a resident patient

for the past six years after fighting a long battle with Alzheimer's dementia.

He was born on December 12, 1937, in Hurontown,...

Marie L. "Midge" Blakeman

Dec 31, 2024

Hancock

Marie L. (Midge) Blakeman of Hancock, MI, passed away Tuesday December 31, 2024, at Mission Point of Hancock where she had been a resident patient for over the past year.

Marie was born in Hancock, MI, on November 13, 1937, to Edward and Eleanore (Schaaf) O'Connor and was a graduate of the Hancock High...

Barb Lahnala

Dec 31, 2024

Atlantic Mine

Barbara Lahnala, 86 of Atlantic Mine passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Green Tree of Hubbell.

Survived by her husband, Erland Lahnala of Atlantic Mine, Daughters Greta (Michael) Maples of Atlantic Mine, Maria (Dale) Vadnais of Atlantic Mine, grandchildren Hannah (Elizabeth) Foreman Kirjava of St. Paul, MN, Briana (Joshua) Kepich of...

Lonnie B. Cotton

Dec 29, 2024

Calumet,

Lonnie Cotton, 72, a resident of Calumet, passed away Sunday December 29, 2024, at the Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital following a short illness.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & cremation Service is assisting the family with the arrangements which will be announced at a later time.

Keith A Hitchens

Dec 28, 2024

Chassell Township

Keith A. Hitchens, 68, a local businessman, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at his home following a lengthy illness.

Per Keith's wishes, a private family service has taken place.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service - Chassell Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Josie Ruska

Dec 28, 2024

Chassell

Josette M. Ruska (nee Moore), 85, a resident of Broemer Rd., Chassell, passed away Saturday December 28, 2024, at home after a short battle with cancer.

She was born in Milwaukee, WI to Robert Carleton and Blanche Moore. Josie was a graduate with the class of 1957 of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School...

Louis Haataja

Dec 27, 2024

It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of Louis Gordon Haataja, affectionately known as "Grandpa." Born on June 27, 1940, he grew up in Elo, Michigan and lived a vibrant and full life until the age of 84.

Louis was a man of many talents, an extraordinary individual who could build...

David Robert Jalkanen

Dec 25, 2024

Bloomington, IN

David Robert Jalkanen (78) died on December 25, 2024, after complications from a fall. He was born on June 17, 1946, and is remembered for a life filled with love, kindness and service to others.

David was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Kathryn Rothwell Nault; parents Arvo John...

Alice May Papke

Dec 23, 2024

Portage Township

Alice M. Papke, 88, a resident of Portage Township passed away Monday December 23, 2024, at Canal View –Houghton County where she had been a resident patient.

She was born on October 20, 1936, in Baltic, MI, a daughter of the late Lewis and Frances (Stimac) Hamlin. She attended St. Ignatius Loyola School...

Bill Lohela

Dec 22, 2024

Hancock

William M. Lohela, 91, a resident of Hancock Canal, died December 22 at his home.

He was born in Hancock on August 1, 1933, the son of the late Ephraim and Aileen (Lescelius) Lohela. Bill was a graduate of Hancock High School, class of 1951.

Upon graduation, he worked locally until joining...

Ruth Elaine Johnson

Dec 20, 2024

Ruth Elaine Johnson, born in Liminga, Michigan, went to be with the Lord surrounded by loved

ones at age 95 on December 20 th , 2024. Ruth was the eldest daughter to Victor and Helen

(Kauppila) Koskela. She was a 1947 graduate of Houghton High School.

Ruth was a member of the Watton...

John C Ylitalo

Dec 19, 2024

Hancock

John C. Ylitalo, 77, a well-known area businessman passed away Thursday December 19, 2024, at his home surrounded by family following a battle with cancer.

He was born on March 24, 1947, in Hancock, the son of the late Carl and Sylvia (Leinonen) Ylitalo. John grew up in Boston Location and was a graduate...

David Autio

Dec 15, 2024

South Range

David Karl Autio ,63, died unexpectedly in his home in South Range on December 15th,

2024 from a heart attack.

David graduated from Jeffers in 1980. He was an accomplished artist, member of the

national guard and motorcycle enthusiast. He also doubled as call-in radio personality

Random...

Martin Anton Steinmetz

Dec 10, 2024

South Range

Martin A. Steinmetz, 86, a resident of South Range, MI passed away peacefully on Tuesday,

December 10, 2024, at the Omega House in Houghton, MI with his family by his side.

He was born on November 15, 1938, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late Anton and Eva

...

Victoria Juopperi

Dec 9, 2024

Painesdale

Victoria Juopperi, a resident of Painesdale, passed away at her home in November 2024.

A Private graveside service will be held for Victoria in the Mt. View Cemetery of South Range.

She was born on May 5, 1950, in Hancock a daughter of the late Vaito and Ethel (Kyllonen) Juopperi.  Victoria was...

Raymond Ojala

Dec 8, 2024

Hubbell

Raymond Ojala Sr., 66, a resident of Hubbell passed away at his home following a short illness.

He was born on January 3, 1958, in Hancock, a son of the late Toivo and Jean (Walman) Ojala. He was raised in Menard Location and received his GED from Hancock High School.

On February...

Susan I. Christensen

Dec 2, 2024

Freeland, MI

Susan Irene Wisniewski Christensen, aged 51, of Freeland, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family and friends on December 2, 2024 at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland, MI.

Born in L'Anse, MI, Susan was the cherished daughter of Stefan and Marsha (Luusua) Wisniewski. Raised in Painesdale, MI Susan is...

Kristin Delpierre

Dec 2, 2024

Houghton

Kristin G. Delpierre, 65, a resident of Houghton, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at her home following a courageous battle with cancer.

Kristin was born on August 31, 1959, in LaGrange, Illinois, to Willard and Edith (Kuehn) Johnson. She was raised in Lombard, Il and graduated from Montini Catholic School with the...