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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Jorma “Joe” Kalliokoski passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at age 100.
He was born in Harma, Finland on Nov 23, 1923 to Naima and August Kalliokoski. In 1931 his family moved to Sudbury, ON, Canada and later to Timmins, ON. He graduated from Western University in London, ON, and later received his PhD from Princeton University.
Jorma married Saara Rauha in Timmins in 1949. During their years together they thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company and liked to dance, play cribbage, travel, and entertain their friends. They celebrated an impressive 61 wedding anniversaries together.
Joe started his time as a geologist with the Geological Survey of Canada and later worked for Newmont Exploration. He was hired by Princeton’s Department of Geology in 1956. In 1968 he moved to Michigan Tech as a Professor and head of the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, where he remained until his retirement in 1988. He was very proud of the department’s growth in research papers and in research funding during his tenure. During his long geology career, he had many travel adventures from the wilds of Canada, to remote areas of South America, and various locations in Europe. He had the ability to make new friends everywhere he went.
Joe was a member of the Portage Lake United Church, various clubs, and professional societies. He volunteered for several charitable organizations. Among his hobbies were reading non-fiction, woodworking, gardening, cross-country skiing, family genealogy, and travel. Joe enjoyed dancing with his Eagles Club friends. He lived his last 10 years at the Bluffs’ Senior Community. As he grew older he celebrated his birthdays, particularly his 100th, by inviting numerous friends to brunch receptions and parties.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife Saara, son Donald, and both of his siblings.
He is survived by his daughters Sue Romano and Karen (Jerry) Harrow, his grandchildren John (Alex) Romano, Lisa (Alec Janson) Romano, Allison Harrow, Ashley Harrow, Angela Harrow, 3 great-grandchildren, and 2 nephews.
A memorial service for Joe will be held at Portage Lake United Church on Saturday, June 29 at 11 am. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly or Copper Country Habitat for Humanity.
To view Joe’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.
