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As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:
Charles W. Pihlaja, 83, a resident of Houghton passed away Friday, April 16, 2021, at home following a lengthy illness.
He was born on March 19, 1938, in Hurontown, MI, a son of the late Werner and Helmi (Tuomisto) Pihlaja. Charlie was raised in Houghton and was a graduate of the Houghton High School with the class of 1956.
In 1957, he was united in marriage to Ann Isaacson and in 1992 she preceded him in death. In 1994, he was united in marriage to Gloria Schmitt.
Charlie moved to Arizona where he worked as a barber. He returned to make his home in Houghton and began a career working for Michigan Technological University, retiring after 30 years from the Maintenance Department.
Mr. Pihlaja was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, he enjoyed copper hounding, gardening visiting with a cup of coffee and loved bid watching.
Preceding him in death were his first wife, his parents, his brother John and his brother-in-law: Richard Patana.
Surviving are:
His wife: Gloria Pihlaja of Houghton
His children: Deve (Cheryl) Pihlaja of Houghton Canal
Kim (Pete) Deluca of Hancock
His grandchildren: Travis (Alisha) Pihlaja, Kyle (Dallas) Pihlaja, Anthony Deluca and Nathan Deluca
4 Great-grandchildren
His sister: Sandi Patana of Hudson, FL
His sister-in-law: Marian Pihlaja of Dollar Bay
His stepchildren: Dale Kus Cass City, MI
Craig (Tammy) Kus of Owasso, OK
Marc Kus of Bismark, ND
Jackelyn (Dave) Dokman of Traverse City, MI
His In-laws: Sharon Aittama of Hubbell
Alice Schmitt of Bootjack
Ron & Mary Schmitt of Lake Linden
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
A private graveside service for Charlie will be held at the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.
To view Charlie’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialcahpel.net.
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock have been assisting the family with the arrangements.
