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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
UPDATE: A graveside service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, June 8, 2023, in the Toivola Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Copper Country Veteran’s Association.
Loren Edward Kommes, 86, former Toivola resident, passed away Thursday, January 5th, 2023, at Canal View-Houghton County where he had been a patient.
He was born on September 19, 1936, in Toivola. Son of the late Edward and Aili (Luukkonen) Kommes. Loren attended Heikkinen School and was a 1954 graduate of Jeffers High School. After high school he attended Utilities Engineering Institute in Chicago, IL. to become a diesel mechanic. Loren served in the United States Army at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Loren worked as a truck driver hauling house trailers cross country. He resided in Kimball, Nebraska, returning to Toivola in 1969. He worked for the White Pine Copper Company as an electrician. He started his own company, Kommes Sand and Gravel. He also logged his tree farm to supplement his family. In later years he served as an agent for the Bankers Life and Casualty Company.
Loren was a dedicated member if the Toivola Apostolic Church where he served as a Sunday school and confirmation teacher.
On June 1st, 1974, Loren married the love of his life. Shirley Elaine (Lantto) Maki. Loren became an instant family man and stepfather to Shirley’s nine children. Loren and Shirley were blessed with a daughter, Jennifer, later that year.
Loren was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley, parents, and stepsons, Kenneth Maki, Kelly Maki, and Keith Maki. Grandson, Thomas Maki.
Loren is survived by his sisters Anita Pakkala and Eda (Sheldon) Narhi. Daughter Jennifer (Shawn) Nakkula. Stepchildren Patricia Furtaw, Teresa (Joseph) Beaudry, Kevin (Lorie) Maki, Mary (James) Knuuttila, Susan Harden, and Kim (Donna) Maki.
Grandchildren, Lucas Bishop, Travis Furtaw, Vanessa Furtaw, Laila Maki, Samantha Maki, Joel Maki. Kenneth Maki, LeeAnn Evans, Eric Maki, Autumn Hekkinen. Great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Loren had a wonderful sense of humor that was enjoyed by all who knew him he would always greet you with a warm smile and a hug or a firm handshake. His bright blue eyes often sparkled with laughter, always willing to share a joke or a story. He enjoyed playing Scrabble with his family.
Loren was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Many a neighbor was plowed out after a storm, had assistance with a car problem, or just a ride to church. Loren and Shirley even opened their home to a neighbor in need. He never hesitated when called upon to do his Christian duty.
Often found working on the farm or fixing something. He was a jack of all trades, a farmer, a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician, a mechanic, a logger a hunter, a teacher, a businessman, a salesman. Most importantly a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a friend.
He found the most comfort in his faith. He spent countless hours studying the Bible. He was always willing to share his knowledge gained from these endeavors with anyone willing to listen. He was a devoted and faithful man, fond of telling those that he cared for, “I love you, just a little, compared to God’s love.”
Loren was an animal lover having owned and cared for numerous horses, cows, rabbits, dogs, and cats. Two of his favorite animals were a dog named Baby and a beautiful horse named Stoney.
In his later years, he enjoyed traveling with Shirley around the country to tour many exciting places and to visit family.
Psalm 73:26; “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever.”
2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
A graveside service for Loren will be held later this spring in the Toivola Cemetery.
To view Loren’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service -Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.
