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HOUGHTON CANAL
Robert A. “Bob” Usitalo, 84, a resident of the Houghton Canal area, died Monday, March 12, 2018, with his loving family by his side.
He was born July 24, 1933, in Oskar, a son of the late Herbert and Violet (Mayra) Usitalo, and was a graduate of the Houghton High School.
Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the 501 Signal Corps, stationed in France and Germany.
Bob was married to the former Evelyn Moyle on February 8, 1956, in Laurium. She preceded him in death on April 11, 2002.
Bob worked at Lakeland Motors as a mechanic and body man and Koykka Well Drilling for many years before starting Usitalo Logging with his sons.
Bob was a member of Alfred Erickson Post 186 American Legion of Hancock. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, hockey, hunting, fishing and golfing. He will always be remembered for his willingness to help everybody out, no matter what they needed. He enjoyed his retirement years, especially driving around in his Kubota with the grandchildren, feeding the deer every night and raising his own beef cows and pigs.
Besides his parents and wife, Bob was also preceded in death by a brother, Herbert.
He is survived by his children, Sandra (William) Pesola of Toivola, Mark (Betty) Usitalo of Dollar Bay, Sarah (Daniel) Stockel of Grand Rapids, Matthew (Michelle) Usitalo of Baraga, Michael (Candace) Usitalo of Houghton, Sharon (Eliezer) Rivera of Houghton, and Sue Usitalo (Chris Fraki) of Freda; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lois Usitalo, a resident at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility; five nieces; and one nephew.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2017, at the Jukuri-Antila Funeral Home in Hancock. A graveside service will take place in the spring at the Oskar Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.
