WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Richard Carlo Mikkola, 76, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Friday morning, Dec. 6, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 25, 1937, in Bruce Crossing, the son of Charles and Anna K. (Anderson) Mikkola.

Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged on April 22, 1958.


On Nov. 8, 1974, he was united in marriage to Gloria J. Keto at All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield.

Richard is survived by four daughters, Robin (Mike Noble), Carla (Brad Choronzy), Nicki Waters and Jill (Tim Wanden); seven grandchildren, Nate Noble, Dylan Noble, Tyler Mikkola, Elizabeth Noble, Casey Choronzy, Ryan Waters and Kyle Avery; two brothers-in-law, Mike Keto and Donald Laakonen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Gloria, on Dec. 11, 2001; a brother, Leonard; and five sisters, Edith Krook, Margaret Redmon, Elaine Litwicki, Katherine Hocking and Bertha Johns.

Cremation has taken place.

A service for family and friends 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.