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As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:
Chadwick Arnold Kuivanen, 82, of Tapiola, Michigan, a faithful and willing servant of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, December 18, 2020 after a short illness at the Wausau Aspirus Hospital.
Chadwick was born on July 21, 1938 to Charles and Alma (Oinas) Kuivanen in Calumet, Michigan. He lived there until his marriage to Myrna Peterson, when they settled in Tapiola and raised five children. After 18 ½ years of marriage, Myrna died of lymphoma cancer in May 1979.
The Lord led Chad to Myrna’s single sister, Eleanore (Elly) Peterson. They married in June 1980, and God blessed them with a happy and fulfilling life.
Chad graduated from Calumet High School in 1958. As a young boy of ten years old, his uncle Andrew taught him how to weld, and he became a certified welder, plumber, and pipefitter. With his God-given talent and leadership qualities, Chad became a superintendent, overseeing piping work at papermills, universities, hospitals, powerplants, etc. The last company Chad worked for was Industrial Piping of Marquette, Michigan, retiring in 1998.
Chad served ten years in the United States Army Reserves, becoming a Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion Post 186 of Hancock, Michigan.
In high school, Chad was a member of the Rifle Team, participating in rifle matches and at one time becoming the highest-ranking shooter in Michigan.
Chad was also a member of the Portage Canal Ski-Cats. He and his fellow water-skiers enjoyed giving shows along the Canal and at Copper Harbor.
Chad was a member of the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church, being a Board member for approximately 60 years. He was called upon by the Lord and the congregation to begin preaching God’s Word, which he did up to the time of his passing. Chad also enjoyed preaching at nursing homes.
Perhaps the greatest joy of his lifetime was to be a missionary preacher. Chad made three missionary trips to Russia, and one to Kenya. He so loved the people and their open reception of the Word of Salvation, and wished to do more.
Through the years, he participated on many boards, including the Eastern and Foreign Missions. He was also the Chairman of the Elo Cemetery Board for tens of years until his passing.
As Elly was a world traveler already before their marriage, together they enjoyed five beautiful trips to Finland, Sweden, and Norway. They also traveled to Hawaii, the Canadian Rockies, around the U.S., and over 20 winter vacations in Florida.
Chadwick is survived by his loving wife Elly of Tapiola, Michigan, daughters Sheri (Jan) Juntunen of Homosassa, Florida, Pammi (Allen) Washuleski of Tapiola, Michigan and son Jeffrey Kuivanen of Ishpeming, Michigan.
Preceding him in death were his son Jeremy Kuivanen (August 25, 2016) and his daughter Lynne Kuivanen (April 6, 2020),
He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Laurie Kuivanen of South Lyon, Michigan, grandchildren Kevin, Jared, Myra, Bradley (Amanda) Juntunen, Austin Kuivanen, Victoria, Jack, & Ashlynn Kuivanen great grandson, Benjamin Juntunen, and innumerable relatives and friends throughout the world.
This world won’t be the same without you, Dear Chad, Dad, Grandpa, and brother in the Lord. You always took every opportunity to tell others about Jesus and your own longing for heaven.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4, 7-8)
A service will be held for Chadwick at the Memorial Chapel in Hancock, Michigan on Monday, December 28, 2020 with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and service at 1:00 p.m.
For those attending Chad’s service, the family asks that social distancing be practiced in accordance with COVID guidelines.
A graveside service will be held 3:00 pm Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the Elo Cemetery with Pastor Ken Storm and Chuck Bylkas to officiate. A luncheon will follow at the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church.
To view Chad’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements.
