Obituary: Dale “Utti” Waarala

As received from the Pearce Funeral Home:

Lake Linden: Dale “Utti” Waarala, 66, of Lake Linden, passed away on March 29, 2024, after an apparent heart attack while driving.

                He was born in Escanaba, MI, on June 13, 1957, a son of Gordon and Irene (Aittama) Waarala.  He graduated from Lake Linden-Hubbell in 1975.  He worked in auto-body repair.

                Utti attended the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church in South Range.

                He was in a bowling league and enjoyed pool.  He liked tinkering with gadgets and could fix anything.  His family affectionately called him “MacGyver.”  He always had treats for the kids and the pets.  He was helpful and a bit of a comedian.

                He was preceded in death by his parents and a great-nephew, Ryan.

                He is survived by: a brother-Roger Waarala; 4 sisters-Lynn (Paul) Kargela, Bonnie (Dennis) Baril, Debbie (Tony Burcar) Thomas, and Jackie (Mark) Kentala; along with an aunt, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He will be missed by a lot of people.

                At his request, funeral services will be private.  The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements.

                Condolences may be shared online with the family at pearcefuneralhome.com