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As received from the Memorial Chapel and Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock:
Edwin F. Wuorinen 91 a resident of The Bluffs Senior Community, Houghton Michigan passed away from an apparent heart attack Monday, August 26, 2019.
He was born on September 16, 1927, to the late Frank and Katherine (Lieviska) Wuorinen of Toivola, MI. He served in the US Air Force during World War II. After an honorable discharge, he married Helen Marie Kantola on July 15, 1950.
Ed is survived by his 5 children, Debbie (Dave) Paskvan of Dollar Bay, Vickie (Stephen) Kangas of Ishpeming, Kellie Wuorinen of Maryland, Jill Ott of Wisconsin, Jeffrey (Liz) Wuorinen of Marquette. 16 grandchildren Duane (Nichole) Kemppainen, Bridget (Roger) Uren, Kerry Sarge, Stephen B Kangas, Jon Kemppainen, Angela (Jerry) Harris, Jackie Kemppainen, Nick Kangas, Elizabeth Penn Wuorinen, Ronald Wuorinen, John Ott, Clayton Wakeham, Rachael (Dustin ) Brancheau, Stefan (Allison) Wuorinen, Sienna Wuorinen, and Guinnevere Wuorinen. 16 great-grandchildren and a special friend Carolyn Andrews. His three sisters, Helen Nevenpara of Dollar Bay, Vieano Beck of Florida, and Lila Riipa of Chicago.
He was preceded in death by his wife Helen of 50 years, who passed in November 2000, his daughter Laura Wuorinen, and son-in-law Rod Ott, Brothers: Ronald, Marvin, Benny & Norman Wuorinen.
Ed was self-employed most of his working life. He and his brother Benny began working for their father in the wood hauling business.
Ed owned and operated a logging business for many years. He was a very good mechanic and repaired his own equipment, making modifications when needed.
In 1967 he became the owner of Kivi’s IGA Grocery Store in South Range, purchasing the store from his father-in-law Walfred Kantola.
In 1975 Ed went to Alaska to work on the Trans Alaska Pipeline. He was part of that infamous Toivola Crew who went to Alaska for this great adventure. After working on the pipeline, Ed remained in Alaska working for Operating Engineers Local 324 out of Seattle. He also worked for Operating Engineers 302 of Michigan. He retired in 1990.
Ed was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in South Range. A member of the VFW and Eagles of South Range and Operators Engineers Local 324 of Seattle and 302 of Michigan.
During his lifetime Ed enjoyed family gatherings for the Holidays. He ( Pa Pa ) loved to bake and cook many specialties such as pasties, pies, Finn Cheese and beef jerky. On Sunday evenings he spent time at the Eagles, dancing and visiting with friends. Ed enjoyed going to the lake in the summer and spending the winters in Arizona.
He was a lifelong avid Detroit Red Wing fan. He enjoyed music and dancing the polka.
In 2015 he moved to The Bluffs Senior Community in Houghton, MI. Ed loved to be around people and made new friends. He enjoyed the many activities available, such as Wii bowling, pinochle, crafts, and the many outings.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at the Bluffs Senior Community for the excellent care and to the many friends, especially (Gale). A special thank you to Dr Kass and the VA nurses Linea and Michelle for their kindness and care to our father during the monthly visits.
Funeral services will be held at the Memorial Chappell Funeral Home in Hancock Thursday, September 5, 2019, at 1:00 pm with Vicar Micah Cavaleri. The family will greet visitors from 11:00 to 1:00 pm prior to the service. A luncheon will be served after the funeral at the Bluffs Senior Community, 3rd floor ballroom.
To view Ed’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock have been assisting the family with the arrangements.
