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Tapiola
James “Gary” Lyttinen, 80, a resident of Tapiola passed away Friday morning August 3, 2018, at the Omega House in Houghton following a lengthy illness.
Gary was born on August 14, 1937, in Baltic, MI, a son of the late Abram and Sylvia (Wimpari) Lyttinen. As a child, the family moved to Tapiola where Gary was a graduate of the John A. Doelle School with the class of 1955. He then worked on the ore boats before moving to the Detroit area where he attended an electrical school.
On August 15, 1959, Gary was united in marriage to the former Judith Hall. Since 1962 the couple had made their home in Tapiola. On July 7, 1997, Judith preceded Gary in death.
Gary had been employed with Upper Peninsula Power Company, retiring after 33 years as a Supervisor at the West Houghton Service Center. He then worked for Superior Water & Welding and held a variety of odd jobs.
Gary was a member of Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie and a founding member of the Otter Lake Sportsmans Club. As a young man, he enjoyed playing hardball and softball. He also enjoyed playing many years in the Copper Country Horseshoe League. More recently, he enjoyed helping his neighbors by cutting their lawns.
Preceding him in death were his wife, his son Norman, his parents, his brother Ray, and brother-in-law Gerald Marttila.
Surviving are;
His children:
Glen Lyttinen of Tapiola
Lisa (Charles) Jukkala of Tapiola
His grandchildren: Cale (Becky), Derek (Brooke), Krista and Trent
His brother: Mel (Angie) Lyttinen of Tapiola
His sister: LaVerne Marttila of Lynchburg, VA
Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services for Gary will be held 11 am Friday, August 10, 2018, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell with Rev. Bucky Beach to officiate. Burial will be in the Elo Cemetery.
Friends may call on Friday, August 10, 2018, from 10 am until time of service at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell.
To view Gary’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral homes of Chassell have been assisting the family with the arrangements.
