Obituary: John Pietila

Our loving father, John R. Pietila, 86, passed away in his Calumet home on Saturday, February 10, 2018.
He was born to Richard O. and Ida (Ranta) Pietila on March 6, 1931 in Raymbaultown.
He attended the local schools and had humble beginnings at his Swedetown Home. That was the start of his farming days, where he learned to work the land and harvest the fruits, vegatables, and berries he so enjoyed.
John worked for Calumet & Hecla Mining Company as a pipeman for 5 years underground from 1950-1955.
On November 5, 1955, he married his lovely wife of 60 years, Dorothy Lohman in Milwaukee, there they raised their 4 kids.
John was a hardworking machinist, and worked for a number of companies gaining knowledge of his trade. He retired from Louis Allis after 28 long years of labor. We are proud of his hard work ethic and take pride in his Finnish heritage, in which he was so proud. He was packed with SISU, spoke the Finnish language and interpreted for others as needed.
John was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed traveling too. He often would warmly reflect on his hunting trips in Wyoming, Canada, and other U.S. locations. He did a lot of auto and tractor repair, and bought and collected a variety of cars throughout the years. Boating, hunting, and fishing are all the things he enjoyed doing around here.
After retirement in 1992, he and Dorothy returned to the Copper Country.
We are thankful he was able to enjoy a long and healthy retirement with Dorothy and his children. He loved to drive and explore our wonderful country. Florida was one his favorite winter travels, but his heart will remain in the great U.P. that we all love so much because of him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ida, an infant sister, Patty, and his Wife Dorothy.
He is survived by his four children; Richard (Cheryl) Pietila, Ronald (Dawn) Pietila, Dale (Sherie) Pietila, and Debra (Guy) Scholler. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and life-long friends, many as close as family.
Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 16, 2018 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Calumet with Father Abraham Mupparathara to officiate.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.