Obituary: Gordon W. Hietala

Chassell

Gordon W. Hietala, 83, a resident of Chassell passed away Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Omega House with his family by his side.

He was born in Hancock on June 29, 1935, the son of the late Edward and Impi (Lehto) Hietala. He was raised in Chassell and graduated from the Chassell Schools with the Class of 1953. Following high school, Gordon moved to Detroit to look for work, finding himself employed at various places until eventually enlisting with the US Army in 1957. After being honorably discharged in 1959, he returned to Detroit where he would meet his wife. On August 1, 1959, he was united in marriage to Edna “Darlene” Mars. The couple resided in Redford Township. Gordon then began his career as a carpenter for commercial construction jobs in the Detroit area. He retired in 1993.

In 1994, Gordon and Darlene would move to Chassell where they would spend their retirement. He enjoyed his retirement along with fishing and hunting. Gordon was a Life Member of the Upper Peninsula Club in Whitmore Lake, MI.

Besides his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Kangas and two brothers, Arthur and Kenneth.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene of Chassell

          His Children; John (Valerie) Hietala of Hamburg, MI

                               Karen (Jeffrey) Calleja of Livonia, MI

Jeanette (Thomas) Katona of Henrico, VA

His grandchildren; Chad (Maddalena) Hietala, Mark Hietala

                             Daniel Calleja

                             Brandon (Sydney) Katona, Ryan Katona

His siblings; Ralph (Beverly) Hietala and Richard (Esther) Hietala, both of Chassell.

His brother-in-law Harold Kangas of Houghton and sister-in-law Marie Hietala of Northville, MI

He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services for Gordon will be held at 12pm Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Soren Schmidt to officiate. Burial with Military Honors will be held this spring in the Chassell Cemetery.

Friends may call on Saturday from 10am until the time of services at the church.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, the family asks that donations be made in Gordons name to the Omega House, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, The Chassell Historical Society or the UP Club in Whitmore Lake.

          To view this obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net

The Memorial Chapel and Plowe Funeral Homes of Chassell are assisting the family with the arrangements.