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.

Samuel Sheldon Sordahl

Samuel Sheldon Sordahl

Mar 9, 2018

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Samuel Sheldon Sordahl, 77, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away early Friday morning, March 9, 2018. Sheldon was born on Dec. 21, 1940, in Marenisco, a son of Sam and Gertrude (Anderson) Sordahl. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for more than 11 years. Sheldon is survived by a stepdaughter, Debbie (Jim) Danielson;...

Bertha Helen Huhtala

Bertha Helen Huhtala

Mar 1, 2018

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Bertha Helen Huhtala, 94, a long-time resident of Bruce Crossing, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

Bertha was born on March 17, 1923, in Topaz, the daughter of William Jacob and Alina (Latvala) Maki. She graduated from Bergland High School and attended two years of college....

Michael Lee Lillie

Michael Lee Lillie

Feb 26, 2018

ROLLA, Mo. – Michael Lee Lillie, of Rolla, 78, passed away Monday, Feb. 26, 2018.

Michael was born on Aug. 22, 1939, in Marenisco, Mich., a son of Edward and Evelyn (Lund) Lillie.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Uerling.

Michael was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, who served...

Esther Mae (Rutherford) Schwan

Esther Mae (Rutherford) Schwan

Feb 22, 2018

PEORIA, Ariz. - Esther Mae (Rutherford) Schwan, 94, of Peoria, passed away Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Esther was born Feb. 17, 1924, in Winegar, Wis., daughter of the late Henry and Lela (Elam) Rutherford. A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 7, at 2 p.m., at Evergreen Cemetery, Presque Isle, Wis. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco,...

Ralph Howard Fruik Jr.

Ralph Howard Fruik Jr.

Feb 22, 2018

BERGLAND, Mich. – Ralph Howard Fruik Jr., 70, a long-time resident of Bergland, passed away peacefully late Thursday evening, Feb. 22, 2018, at his home, with his family by his side. Ralph was born on July 14, 1947, in Chicago, a son of Eleanor (Besonen) and Ralph Howard Fruik Sr. He graduated from Bergland High School in 1965. He married...

Mark Arnold Verrette

Mark Arnold Verrette

Feb 21, 2018

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Mark Arnold Verrette, 57, of Ironwood, passed away in the recent fire on Feb. 21, 2018. No funeral service is scheduled at this time. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield.

Levi Dean Watkins

Levi Dean Watkins

Feb 21, 2018

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Levi Dean Watkins, 27, of Ironwood, passed away in the recent fire on Feb. 21, 2018. A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 8, at 3 p.m., at Christ Community Church - Seventh Day Adventist, Bessemer. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield.

Jeremy Ray Olson

Jeremy Ray Olson

Feb 17, 2018

BESSEMER, Mich. – Jeremy Ray Olson, 28, of Bessemer, passed away late Saturday evening, Feb. 17, 2018, as a result of injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident. Jeremy was born on July 21, 1989, at Grand View Hospital in Bessemer Township, a son of Tracy Damm and Jerry Olson. He graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 2008...

Margaret H. 'Marge' Ahola

Margaret H. 'Marge' Ahola

Feb 16, 2018

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Margaret H. "Marge" Ahola, 88, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, Feb. 16, 2018. Marge was born on June 29, 1929, in Wakefield, a daughter of Oscar and Hazel (Sero) Nicholson. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1947. On Aug. 7, 1947, Marge married George S. Autere. They were proud parents...

Wesley C. Rautiola

Wesley C. Rautiola

Feb 6, 2018

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Wes Rautiola, 82, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Feb. 6, 2018. Wes was born on Jan. 18, 1936, in Mass, a son of Andrew and Allie (Moilanen) Rautiola. He attended Mass High School and graduated in 1954. Wes was inducted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country for two years....

Enc William B. Sikonia, Usn, Retired

Enc William B. Sikonia, Usn, Retired

Feb 2, 2018

IRONWOOD, Mich. – ENC William B. Sikonia, USN, Retired, 88, a long-time resident of Erwin Township, passed away Friday morning, Feb. 2, 2018. Bill was born on Aug. 5, 1929, at Grand View Hospital in Bessemer Township, a son of Carl and Mary (Kozens) Sikonia. He attended Norrie School from kindergarten through the third grade. In 1937, his family bought...

Verna (Blaskowski) Urbanski

Verna (Blaskowski) Urbanski

Jan 29, 2018

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Verna (Blaskowski) Urbanski, 88, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 29, 2018. Verna was born on Dec. 26, 1929, in Wakefield, a daughter of Frank and Pearl (Maciejewski) Blaskowski. She graduated from Wakefield High School. On June 18, 1949, Verna was united in marriage to Kazmirz "Charlie" Urbanski. They shared more than 66...

Ruth E. Perry

Ruth E. Perry

Jan 26, 2018

RAMSAY, Mich. – Ruth E. Perry, 94, a long-time resident of Ramsay, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 26, 2018. Ruth was born on Jan. 19, 1924, in Portage Township, a daughter of Henry and Anna (Wayrynen) Antilla. She graduated from Jeffers High School in Painesdale. On Aug. 2, 1941, Ruth was united in marriage to William T. Perry at the...

Douglas Yon

Douglas Yon

Jan 22, 2018

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Douglas Yon, 75, of Royal Oak, formerly of Wakefield, passed away Monday evening, Jan. 22, 2018. Doug was born on Jan. 25, 1942, in Baraga, a son of Osiber and Ina Yon. He attended school in Wakefield and graduated from Sandusky High School in Sandusky. Doug proudly served his country for two years in the U.S....

Marvin Gumm

Marvin Gumm

Jan 19, 2018

BESSEMER, Mich. – Marvin Gumm, 77, of Bessemer, formerly of Racine, Wis., passed away peacefully early Friday morning, Jan. 19, 2018. Marvin was born on Feb. 12, 1940, in Laona, Wis., a son of Curtis and Carrie (Combs) Gumm. He worked as a metallurgist at a foundry in Racine. Marvin is survived by three children, Leticia, Tyrone and Tina and...

David Pedrin

David Pedrin

Jan 14, 2018

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – On Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, David Pedrin, 71, left the love of his life and family only to be reunited with his family in Heaven. After a courageous battle with multiple illnesses, Dave is no longer suffering. Dave was born Oct. 30, 1946, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Bernard and Margie (Biermaker) Pedrin. He was the seventh...

Leona Dorothy (Patyk) Sailer

Leona Dorothy (Patyk) Sailer

Jan 11, 2018

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Leona Dorothy (Patyk) Sailer, 97, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, Jan. 11, 2018, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family and cherished dog, Lucy. Leona was born on Sept. 1, 1920, in Wakefield, a daughter of Joseph Harry and Jennie Frances (Budgick) Patyk. She graduated from Wakefield High School. On...

Marie (Nora) Cormier

Marie (Nora) Cormier

Jan 8, 2018

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Marie Joyce (Nora) Cormier, 91, a long-time resident of Wakefield, died peacefully surrounded by her beloved family in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 8, 2018. Marie was born on March 28, 1926 in Wakefield, the second daughter to Joseph and Mary (Delmet) Nora of Iron Mountain, Michigan. Marie graduated from Iron Mountain High School (1944), received her nurses...

Patricia Jane Jacobson

Patricia Jane Jacobson

Jan 5, 2018

WOODRUFF, Wis. – Patricia Jane Jacobson, 92, of Minocqua, formerly a long-time resident of Wakefield, Mich., died peacefully Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at Season of Life Hospice House in Woodruff. Pat was born Feb. 21, 1925, in Two Harbors, Minn., the second daughter of Charles R. and Margaret Jane (Wright) Hemkes. The family moved to Wakefield in 1927, where her...

John David Koski

John David Koski

Dec 31, 2017

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – John David Koski, 73, a long-time resident of Anvil Location, Bessemer Township, passed away Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at his residence. John was born on Dec. 18, 1944, in Anvil, the son of Francis Oscar and Betty Ann (Kyllonen) Koski. He attended A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated in 1963. Following graduation, John worked...

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