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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Paul Joseph Bylkas, 70, went home unexpectedly to be with his Savior on June 10, 2024.
Paul was born on October 1, 1953, in Laurium, Michigan to Kenneth and Lydia (Wittaniemi) Bylkas.
Paul graduated from Lake Linden High School in 1971. Following graduation, he attended Michigan Tech University and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Forestry. Following some early jobs, Paul spent his working career in the Maintenance Department of Michigan Tech for over 40 years.
Paul served on the Bootjack Fire Department for 30 years, and following retirement from that position, he served as caretaker there until his death. He also served on the Bootjack Fire & Rescue Foundation Board. Paul was an active member of the Lake Linden-Hubbell Sportman’s Club and served for 20 years as board’s director. In addition, Paul served on the board of the Keweenaw Gas Co-op in Calumet until his death.
From a very young age, Paul had an avid interest in hunting and fishing, in addition to being a passionate fan of all Lake Linden High School sports, along with Michigan Tech hockey, the Red Wings and the Detroit Lions. He loved bowling, and was a member of the Mine Shaft Bowling League for over 10 years.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Norman, infant twin brother Peter, sister Lucille and brother-in-law Roger Sodini, and sister-in-law Julia Bylkas.
Surviving are his brother Steven Bylkas of Baltimore, Maryland; sister Shirley (Gerald) Lamppa of Trap Rock Valley and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church on M-203 in Calumet on Thursday, June 27
from 9-11 a.m. The funeral will begin at 11, and a luncheon will follow. Burial will take place at the Jacobsville Cemetery at 2 p.m. that day.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests memorials be given to Bootjack Fire & Rescue Foundation or the Lake Linden-Hubbell Sportsman Club.
Heartfelt thanks go out to Bootjack Fire & Rescue First Responders, Aspirus Keweenaw’s Emergency Department and members of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church.
Paul was a man of great faith, and in his quiet caring nature, he was always ready to give anyone a hand. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
