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Reuben Frederick Moilanen, 93, a resident of Calumet passed away on Wednesday June 19, 2019 at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital.
He was born on March 14, 1926 in Ahmeek to Andrew and Mary (Dyni) Moilanen.
Reuben attended the local schools and in 1944 enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served during Operation Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1946.
On June 5, 1948 he was united in marriage to Angeline Lanfranki, whom he called the love of his life at St. Mary Parsonage in Calumet.
Reuben worked in the local copper mines, in Detroit doing construction and upon returning to the Keweenaw, he worked at the Calumet Golf Course and CLK schools as a custodian and bus driver retiring in 1988.
Reuben loved being at his camp in Little Betsy. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, and building jigsaw puzzles with his wife in their back porch.
Reuben also enjoyed the company of his grandchildren from the time they were growing up at the camp to present day.
As a member of Sacred Heart Church in Calumet, he loved going to Mass.
Reuben was known for his humor and quick wit. You could often hear him say, “don’t take any wooden nickels” and “shave and a haircut, two bits” along with many other Reuben-isms.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary Moilanen, his brothers, Art, Emil, Carl, Frank, Cliff, and Roy, and sisters, Effie, Sue, Mabel, and Ruth.
He is survived by: his loving spouse of 71 years: Angeline of Calumet, his daughter Andrea (Mike) Kovachich of Calumet, 2 granddaughters: Krissy and Michelle Kovachich as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Monday June 24, 2019 at 11:00 am with Father Gracious Pulimoottil to officiate and Deacon Art Stancher to assist. Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home on Sunday June 23, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm on Sunday June 23, 2019.
Reuben once said, “when the times comes, I’ll be a regular angel” and “when we get to heaven, that will sure be a promotion.” Well Reub, you’ve been promoted!
Burial with Military Honors will take place in the Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.
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.
