WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Ossi Juhani Laitamaki, 76, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the Aspirus Ironwood Hospital.

Ossi was born on Nov. 20, 1946, in Kauhajoki, Finland, a son of Nikolai and Taimi (Hakamaa) Laitamaki. Following high school graduation, he served in the Finnish National Defense.

Ossi came to the United States at the age of 21, and became a head sawyer at the Ahonen Lumber Mill in Ironwood, subsequently rounded out his career of 35 years at the Connor Lumber Mill in Wakefield, and Nagle Lumber Mill in Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin.

He married his lovely wife, Mary Isvorski, and they made their home in Wakefield. They celebrated 51 years of marriage in June 2022.

Ossi loved polka dancing, a traditional weekly sauna and was a loyal member of Little Finland in Kimball, Wisconsin. His great sense of humor and infectious laugh were often enjoyed by friends and family, as he shared humorous stories about his life in Finland and in the U.S.

Ossi is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; a son Nikolai (Stephanie Anderson) Laitamaki, Mt. Vernon, Illinois; his cherished Dachshund companion, Willow Mia; four grandchildren, Kylie Laitamaki, Sydney Laitamaki, Sara (Eric) Burton and Logan (Jacee) Anderson; two great-grandchildren, Baylor and Ada Jo; three brothers, Jorma (Paula), West Palm Beach, Florida, and Reijo (Aino) and Markuu (Tiina), both of Finland; a sister, Riitta Ylitalo, of Finland; and numerous nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Finland.

A celebration of Ossi's life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Little Finland, 5750 U.S. 2, in Hurley, Wisconsin.

A light buffet dinner will be served. Questions can be directed to the email address celebrateossi@gmail.com.

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 .