Obituary: Roger Kentala

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

SERVICE NOTICE:
A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Tuesday December 28, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Visitation will take place from 12:30 until the time of the service at 1:00/
Burial will take place in the spring in Lake View Cemetery.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Roger E. Kentala, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 26, 2021 at the Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital with family by his side. Roger was born on January 1,1940 in Laurium to Edward and Winnie ( Winquist) Kentala and was the first of three children. The siblings grew up on the family farm on Tamarack Waterworks Road. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Janet Bonanni. He moved from the farm to Park Avenue Apartments in Calumet and enjoyed 3 years living there and enjoyed visiting with fellow residents. Roger Graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1959 where he participated in the ROTC program, was the Junior class president, and student council member. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan Technological University and continued his education at Marquette University in Milwaukee earning a Doctor of Dentistry degree in 1969. After graduation he opened his dental office on Fifth street in Calumet serving the dental needs of the community for several years before retiring early due to illness. Later in life he worked for Keweenaw Home Services caring for the needs of the agency’s patients. As a young man, Roger was an active member of the National Lutheran Church in Calumet assisting the church in numerous ways. Roger is survived by his sister Diane (Ray) Tiberg of Calumet and Brother-in Law Mike Bonanni of Marquette. He adored his nephews, Kevin (Kirsten) Tiberg of Eagan, Minnesota, niece Kristen Keenan (John) of Hermosa Beach , California, and nephews Greg (Kirsten) Bonanni and Stephen (Beth) Bonanni both of Marquette. His nephews and nieces were his joy as they grew up visiting and enjoying the summer months during their stay at the farm. Great nieces and nephews include Ethan Tiberg, Finn and Kaylee Keenan, Alyssa, Gavin, Brianna and Logan Bonanni. A memorial service is being planned for December at Faith Lutheran Church in Calumet with Pastor Jared Howard to officiate. Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff of Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital for their compassionate care of Roger during his final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the CLK Food Pantry. The Erickson Crowley Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com