IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Loyal Howard Taskila Sr., 85, a longtime resident of Ironwood Township, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Loyal was born on July 6, 1936, in Painesdale, a son of Mikko and Hattie (Johnson) Taskila.

In his early years, Loyal was a logger, farmer (as a ramrod of the LT Ranch) and miner. He served time in the U.S. Army, 8th Infantry, during the Korean War. Loyal was an avid United States traveler who loved hitting the highway headed west. Later in life, Loyal learned to play the fiddle, competing in music festivals and contests in the Southwest.

Loyal is survived by two daughters, Lyn Okarski, Roy, Washington, and Veronica (Larry) Miskovich, Ironwood; a son, Loyal Taskila Jr., Hoquiam, Washington; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ricky Okarski; Jon (Sara) Okarski, Mya (Mark) Rice, Nadia; Ed (Jenerfer) Okarski, Alayna, Edward Jr., Nikolai; Betty Lou (Paul) Chartier, Kaylee, Janessa, Beau; Michelle (Graham) Niemi, Mason; Ryan Okarski; Opal Taskila; Kimberly Okarski, Michael; Ash (Janice) Okarski, Gabe, Hope, Amelia; and Veronica (Joe) Serrano, Tyson, Romeo, Kaydin, Elijah, Dakota, Joe Jr., Lila; a sister, Violet (Ray) Wiitala, Toivola; a brother, Reino (Alice), Tucson, Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Yvonne Marie (nee Tusa) Taskila, in 1997; his son-in-law, Rick Okarski Sr.; and nine siblings, Anna, Helmi, Albert, Verna, Lillian, Donald, Roy, Ruth and Sonny.

The family is planning a celebration of Loyal's life at a later date.

Interment will take place at Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township.

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