Toivo W. "Cuddy" Kyrola, age 89, of 700 W. Iron St., Bessemer, passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening, Dec. 4, 2010, in Ironwood.
He was born on Aug. 27, 1921, in Finland, the son of John and Fanny (Jokilehto) Kyrola.
Toivo attended Ramsay School and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1940.
He joined the Civilian Conservation Corp and then entered the U.S. Army in 1942. Toivo served in the India-Burma area for 3 ½ years.
On May 15, 1948, he was united in marriage to Savina J. Mattie at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wakefield.
Toivo worked in the Ramsay Mine until its closing and then at White Pine Copper Company for 26 years.
He was a member of the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 for 65 years.
Toivo is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Savina; two daughters, Nancy (Mark) Wiita, Gainesville, Fla., and Kathy (Stacy) Caudell, Lucas, Texas; a granddaughter, Julie (Keith) Kurutz, Brookfield, Wis.; a sister, Ruth Kettula, Ironwood; his sister-in-law, Jennie Bravatto, Ramsay; and two nephews.
Cremation has taken place.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 10 to 11 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Joy J. Adimakkeel officiating.
Following the Mass, military rites will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.
A reception will be held in the Father Swoboda Hall following the military honors.
Rite of Committal and burial will take place in the spring at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may contribute to the HOPE Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 261, Ironwood MI 49938.
Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield is assisting the family with arrangements.