RAMSAY, Mich. – Kenneth Howard Ahola, 83, of Ramsay, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin, with his loving wife, Betty, by his side.

Kenneth was born on March 16, 1940, in Bruce Crossing, a son of John Howard and Lina Gladys (Koistinen) Ahola. He attended Ewen High School and graduated in 1958.

Kenneth proudly served his country for three years in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged as a specialist fourth grade on June 18, 1962.

On July 16, 1966, Kenneth was united in marriage to Betty Joanne Lelvis at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Trout Creek.

Kenneth was an avid hunter, fisherman and reader, especially Westerns. In his free time, he looked forward to watching Gunsmoke on television and absolutely loved cheering on the Detroit Lions, Red Wings and Tigers.

For 31 years, Kenneth was a dedicated driver for the United Parcel Service in Ironwood. He retired in 1995, and during that time drove more than 2 million miles. Kenneth loved his job, co-workers and all of his customers.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 57 years and one week, Betty; three sons, Stacy (Kathy), Wadesville, Indiana, Scott, Ramsay, and Steven, Minneapolis; two cherished grandchildren, Lauren and Dylan; a stepbrother, Andrew Pietila, Green Bay, Wisconsin; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette (John) Vlahos, Howell, Michigan, and Sue Lelvis, Irvine, California; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and four siblings.

Cremation has taken place.

Family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, July 31, beginning at 11 a.m., at Jagger's Ore House, 8001 E. Mill St., in Ramsay, where military rites will take place at noon, under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team. A celebration of Kenneth's life will follow the military honors. Kenneth's nephew, Thomas Gibson, will officiate.

Luncheon will be served at the restaurant following the service.

Private interment will take place at the Hillside Cemetery in Bruce Crossing, at a later date.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.