RAMSAY, Mich. – Melvin D. Rooni, 81, a longtime resident of Ramsay, passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.

He was born on May 24, 1932, in Tula, the son of Urho and Saima (Lepisto) Rooni of North Bessemer. Melvin attended North Bessemer Grade School, Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood with the class of 1950.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

On April 5, 1958, Melvin was united in marriage to Nona L. Mattson in Wakefield.

He loved spending time at his camp with his family, enjoyed making firewood, and in recent years, making maple syrup.

In earlier years, he worked in the woods and was a truck driver. Melvin was then employed by and retired from the Gogebic County Road Commission.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Nona; four children, Nadine (Paul) Hewitt and Kurt Rooni, both of Ramsay, Peggy Rooni (Mike McNulty), Barron, Wis., and David (Stacie) Rooni, Wakefield; six grandchildren, Bryan (Lisa) Hewitt, Kristin (Adam) Petrelius, Paul Rooni, and Jade, Lexis and Taavi Rooni; seven great-grandchildren, Niko, Nyah and Eli Hewitt, Aly and Brooke Petrelius and Bryce and Annalise Rooni; other loving relatives; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Smith; and a brother, Leonard Rooni.

At Melvin's request, cremation has taken place.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.