obituaries
Recent obituaries in Wakefield, Michigan.
The obituaries in the Wakefield area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity of Michigan's history and identity.
Aaron Tauno Aapala
Aug 30, 2026
CHARLOTTE, Mich. – Aaron Tauno Aapala, 50, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026.
A complete obituary will be published at a later date.
Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.
Betty J. Wiemeri
Aug 30, 2026
BESSEMER, Mich. – Betty J. Wiemeri, 98, of Bessemer, formerly of Ironwood Township, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, Aug. 30, 2026, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, after a brief illness.
The former Betty Dorpat was born on April 1, 1928, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, a daughter of Frederick and Gladys (Carlson) Dorpat. As a child, she lived between Ironwood and Milwaukee....
Mick McManman
Aug 28, 2026
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. - Leonard A. “Mick” McManman, 64, of Brooklyn Park, passed away Friday evening, Aug. 28, 2026, with his wife, Carol, and family by his side.
Mick was born on “the Ides of March,” March 15, 1962, at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Daniel and Sandra (Anderson) McManman. His early years were spent with his family in...
Harry P. Collins Jr.
Aug 27, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. — It is with heavy hearts and profound admiration that we announce the passing of Harry P. Collins Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, who left this world peacefully at home on Aug. 27, 2026. Born on Aug. 12, 1934, in Ironwood, Harry lived a life filled with love, dedication and adventure. He was 92 years old.
Harry was...
Helen A. Finco
Aug 22, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. – Helen A. Finco, 89, of Ironwood, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, Wisconsin.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Sept. 11, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 108 S. Marquette St., in Ironwood....
James Farrell 'Jim' Gembolis
Aug 16, 2026
WAKEIFELD, Mich. – James Farrell “Jim” Gembolis, 71, a long-time resident of Wakefield, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026.
Jim was born on Oct. 11, 1954, in Wakefield, a son of Joseph D. and Dorothy E. (Zuildmulder) Gembolis. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1972. Jim continued his education at Michigan Technological University and earned...
Irwin R. 'Irv' Mattson
Aug 8, 2026
BESSEMER, Mich. – Irwin R. “Irv” Mattson, 79, of Bessemer, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at his residence.
Irwin was born on May 26, 1947, to John E. and Helmi L. (Niemi) Mattson at Grand View Hospital in Ironwood. He graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1965, and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts...
Penni P. Cousineau
Aug 4, 2026
GILE, Wis. - Penni Pickett Cousineau, 65, of Gile, was taken home to Heaven, having departed this mortal existence on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.
She was born on Jan. 20, 1961, in Oakley, Idaho, to Floyd Jennings Pickett and Joyce Hardy Pickett.
She was a very devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained faithful throughout her...
Clara Marie Jordan
Aug 3, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. – Clara Marie Jordan, 100, a lifelong resident of W. Larch St., in Ironwood, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at her home.
The former Clara Bruzdzinski was born on Nov. 6, 1925, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Peter and Pat (Guzek) Bruzdzinski. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School.
Clara was united in marriage to...
Raymond Arthur Joki
Aug 1, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. - Raymond Arthur Joki, 84, passed away Saturday afternoon, Aug. 1, 2026, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood.
He was born Feb. 4, 1942, in Wakefield, a son of Wilbert and Rachel (Maki) Joki.
Raymond was employed as a civil engineer for the Minnesota Department of Transportation for 42 years starting his career in Minneapolis and many years in Duluth....
Barbara J. Simcoe
Jul 29, 2026
BESSEMER, Mich. – Barbara J. Simcoe, 70, of Bessemer, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, after a year-long illness.
Barbara was born on Sept. 12, 1955, in Ironwood, the daughter of George and Joyce (Nydahl) Thomas. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood.
On June 18, 1977, Barbara married Dave...
Kristine Ann Beckman
Jul 22, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. – Kristine Ann Beckman, 53, of Ironwood, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Kristine was born on Jan. 31, 1973, in Ironwood, a daughter of David P. and Barbara A. (Trethewey) Beckman. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School and Gogebic Community College.
Kristine is survived by her parents, David...
William D. Niemi
Jul 20, 2026
BRUCE CROSSING, Mich. - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our husband, dad, grandpa and best friend, William "Will Bill" Niemi, on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the age of 65.
Will was born on Dec. 10, 1960, in Bruce Crossing, above his grandparents’ restaurant, Bundy's. His parents were Bernard "Bundy" Niemi and Vivian Whisman. He graduated from the...
Linda D. Johnson
Jul 16, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. – Linda D. Johnson, 73, of Ironwood, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after a lengthy illness.
Linda was born on March 18, 1953, in Wakefield, a daughter of Eino M. and Martha H. (Waataja) Kauranen. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1971.
Linda was funny, feisty and loved animals, especially her long-time feline companion, Romeo.
Linda is...
Patricia Lynn 'Patty' Nyman
Jul 12, 2026
BESSEMER, Mich. – Patricia Lynn “Patty” Nyman, 73, a longtime resident of Bessemer, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, July 12, 2026, at her residence.
The former Patricia Kujanson was born Aug. 28, 1952, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Eugene and Alice (Brown) Kujanson. She attended Ironwood schools.
Patty was married to Curtis “Snuffy” Nyman on June 24, 1972, at Sharon Lutheran Church...
Nancy C. Pinkston
Jul 10, 2026
HURLEY, Wis. - It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to our beloved mother, aunt and friend, Nancy C. Pinkston, who passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Born on July 17, 1936, Nancy was the cherished daughter of Joseph and Palmina Casagranda of Ludlow, Massachusetts.
Nancy had an insatiable love for games, indulging in...
Janice M. Makinen
Jul 9, 2026
IRONWOOD, Mich. – Janice M. Makinen, 80, a lifelong resident of Ironwood, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Janice was born on May 19, 1946, in Ironwood, a daughter of John G. and Harriet E. (Hyke) Kaseno.
She was united in marriage to James E. Makinen. They were blessed with two children, Lisa D. (John) Ursini and Richard J. Makinen.
As we...
Roger Lee Paige
Jul 2, 2026
HURLEY, Wis. – Roger Lee Paige, 89, of Hurley, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood, Michigan, with his loving family at his side.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, July 6, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 404 Iron St., in Hurley, where...
Katherine A. (Seppa) Scarpelli
Jun 30, 2026
WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Katherine A. (Seppa) Scarpelli, 71, of Tinley Park, Illinois and Wakefield, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
A complete obituary will be published at a later date.
Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com
Jaret M. Luppino
Jun 27, 2026
IRON BELT, Wis. – Jaret M. Luppino, 69, passed away early Saturday morning, June 27, 2026, at her home in Iron Belt. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Jaret was born on March 4, 1957, to Geraldine and Donald Anderson who made their home in Montreal. Jaret graduated from Hurley High School in 1975, where she enjoyed being involved in...
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