Obituary: Walter J. Kiiskila

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Walter J. Kiiskila, 87, a longtime resident of Dollar Bay passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Omega House in Houghton.

He was born on August 6, 1937, in Hancock, a son of the late John August and Mabel Senia (Klintti) Kiiskila. Walter was raised on the family farm on Lake Annie Road and attended the Quincy School. He served in the United States Army and Reserves from October 1958 until October 1964.

On June 24, 1960, Walter was united in marriage to the former Margaret “Cookie” Bugge. The couple resided in Dollar Bay to raise their family. Walter worked locally as a welder for Pettibone, Copper Range, and Anderson Welding.

Mr. Kiiskila was a member of the former First Lutheran Church of Dollar Bay. He enjoyed time at the lake, camping, hunting, fishing, watching westerns, working on various carpenter projects and spending time with his family. On July 6, 2017, Cookie preceded Walter in death.

Preceding him in death were his wife; his parents; and his brothers; John, Carl, George, and Robert, along with his brothers-in-law Norman Forsman, Jim Hippula, Ken Bugge and sister-in-law Andrea Cloutier.

Surviving are:

His children:

Debbie (Randy) Rush of Mankato, MN

Walter R. Kiiskila of Calumet

William “Bill” (Shannon) Kiiskila of Ocoee, FL

Stephen (Michelle) Kiiskila of Spring Branch, TX

Mike (Jo) Kiiskila of Wisconsin Rapids, WI

9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren

His sisters: May Forsman of Hancock and Jean Hippula of Hancock

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of The Omega House for all the wonderful care they gave to dad.

Per the wishes of the deceased, a private graveside service for Walter will be held in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton

To view Walter’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements