TROUT CREEK, Mich. - Walter John "Wally" Lannet, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on December 26, 2025, while surrounded by the love of his family after battling unexpected illness.

Born June 24, 1946, Wally was raised by exemplary parents on a rural dairy farm where he developed a lifelong disciplined work ethic, a deep appreciation for the natural land, and a strong moral compass. The eldest of nine, he became a cherished patriarch and guiding presence of his large, close-knit family.

Wally found decades of career reward in the head leadership position he served at the Ontonagon County Road Commission; he was known as an avid hunter and fisherman, an orchard and garden keeper, a masterful carpenter and landscaper, winemaker, wonderful cook, dog-lover, and a quiet servant to the vast, friendly wildlife on his property.

Foremost, Wally was a deeply caring and loving man to his entire family, and a reliable, kind and loyal friend to many. With them, he enjoyed the great outdoors, billiards, card games, watching Westerns, and following the Detroit Tigers and Lions. Wally dutifully helped and guided others with his many skills, and as a devout Catholic, he attended Mass weekly and served his parish with the greatest humility and devotion. His life was truly one well-lived, and a testament to his abiding Faith.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Karjala, and Jorma and Irene Lannet; his sister, Marlene; brother, Daniel; and stepson, Todd Pulkas.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel, and sweet pup, Abigail; daughters, Yvette (Wil) Winton, Yvonne (Alan) Gagala, son, Jason Lannet, and stepson, Tim (Carol) Pulkas; grandchildren: Aaron Gagala, Kelsey (Hunter) Redding, Austin Gagala, Tyler Winton, Garrett Winton, Marcus (Lauren) Pulkas, Zach (Tarah) Pulkas, Dayne Pulkas, Jordan Pulkas, Amanda Granato and Jamie Pinar; great-grandchildren: Gracie, Cooper, Skyleigh, Knox, Quinn, Nash, Memphis, Gatlin, and Madden; siblings: Bernie, Marvin, Jim, Denny (Lori), Sandy (+Ed), and Sharon.

Wally was blessed with a large and loving extended family, and a community of friends who will all cherish a lifetime of memories of him.

All are welcome to the visitation on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10 - 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ewen; Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.; and a luncheon immediately following at Twilly's in Bruce Crossing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider an honorary donation to the Ontonagon County Animal Protection at www.ocappaws.org .

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.