BERGLAND, Mich. – Ernest E. Kariainen, 84, a longtime resident of Bergland, passed away suddenly Friday morning, May 22, 2015.

He was born on May 19, 1931, in Trout Creek, a son of Charles and Nelma (Peterson) Kariainen. Ernie attended Trout Creek High School and graduated in 1949.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

On Nov. 24, 1956, Ernie was united in marriage to Carolyn G. Raymond in Trout Creek.


He was employed by White Pine Copper Company and retired after 38 years and nine months of service.

Ernie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland and American Legion Desrosier Windnagle Post 562 of Bergland.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, speaking Finnish and listening to polka music.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; two daughters, Mary Huettl, Bergland, and Emma (Chris) Figge, Littleton, Colo.; four sons, Donald, Bergland, Ernest Jr. (Theresa), Snyder, Texas, Rory, Bergland, and Michael (Carol), Merriweather; eight grandchildren, Wanda, Paulette, Amber, Megan, Michael, Melanie, Morgan and Kyleen; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Jim Metas and Art Hill, both of Bruce Crossing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Toivo, Arvo, Charles, Wilho and Paul; and a sister, Sylvia Lakanen.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at 11 a.m. EDT, preceded by visitation at 9:30 a.m. EDT, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland, with the Rev. Timothy J. Steckling officiating.

Burial will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Bergland, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Bergland American Legion Post 562 and Ontonagon County Veterans Association Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at the church fellowship hall following the cemetery service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.