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As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:
Chassell
Ralph E. Hietala, 86, a resident of Chassell passed away Monday, August 4, 2020, at the Bluff’s Senior Living Community in Houghton where he had been residing for the past three months.
He was born on May 8, 1934, in Hancock a son of the late Edward and Impi (Lehto) Hietala. Ralph was raised in Chassell and was a graduate of the Chassell High School with the class of 1951.
Mr. Hietala was a veteran having served as an MP with the United States Army during the Korean War.
On October 15, 1966, he was united in marriage to the former Beverly Niemi. The couple had resided in the Detroit area and returned to make their home on the Hietala family farm in 1970.
Ralph had worked for Herman Gundlach and various companies as a drywaller and carpenter until his retirement.
Mr. Hietala was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton, was a Life Member of VFW Post #6507 of Chassell and Carpenters Union.
Ralph was an avid sports fan and an exceptional athlete having tried out for the Detroit Tigers in 1951. He enjoyed having coffee each morning at the Chassell VFW, visiting with family, friends and working on projects on the farm.
Preceding him in death were his wife Beverly, his parents, his sister Ruth Kangas, his brothers: Gordon, Arthur and Kenneth. His sister-in-law: Esther Hietala and his brother-in-law: Harold Kangas
Surviving are:
His Brother: Richard Hietala of Chassell
His sisters-in-law: Darlene Hietala of Chassell
Marie Hietala of Novi, MI
Joan Leinonen of The Bluffs Senior Living Community
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Funeral services for Ralph will be held at 1pm, Saturday, August 8, 2020, at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton with James Randell to officiate. Burial will be in the Chassell Cemetery where VFW Post #6507 of Chassell will hold Military Honors.
Friends may call on Saturday, August 8, 2020, from 11 am until the time of services at the church.
To view Ralph’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.
