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As received from Antila Funeral Service:
Steven E. Pesola, 70, a resident of Chassell, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, June 4, 2021.
He was born September 19, 1950, in Hancock, a son of the late Arvo and Irene (Wanhala) Pesola.
Steve graduated in 1968 from the Redford Union High School in Detroit. Following graduation, he enlisted into the United States Air Force.
In December of 1970, he married Aina (Dolly) Morris in South Range. They made their first home at Scott AFB, Ill; followed by assignments to Selfridge ANGB, MI and Offutt AFB, NE. Steve also did an isolated tour to Korea. Following his discharge, the couple returned to the area to make their home in Chassell.
From 1977 to 1993, Steve worked as a Carpenter/Millwright for Michigan Carpenters Local 1227 with his carpenter partner, Ray (Tuffy) Laitila, and his Millwright partner, Roger Karsama. After retiring, he enrolled in Michigan Tech where he graduated magna cum laude in May of 1999, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Management Information Systems.
He then went to work at the Houghton County Courthouse as their IT person, retiring in 2011.
Steve was a member of Alfred Erickson American Legion Post 186 of Hancock, Ranger Post 6165 of South Range, and a longtime member of the Otter Lake Sportsmen’s Club. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting but his love was riding his Harley. He and Dolly went on many bike trips travelling all over the country.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dolly of Chassell; two daughters, Jennifer (Michael) Bach of Houghton and Rhonda (Mike) Faria of Chassell; five grandchildren whom he loved with his whole heart and was so proud of, Alaina, Noah, Caleb, Levi and Kaliyah Bach; a brother, Alan of Chassell; a sister, Jan Heikkinen both of Chassell; several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins; his best friend, Roger Karsama of Pelkie; and his grand pups, Lola and Jasper.
Besides his parents, Steve was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Bob Mattson; Dolly’s foster mom, Sharon Wanhala; as well as numerous aunts and uncles.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021, at the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range, with Pastor Dave Hoskins to officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Friday in the funeral home. Following the service, burial with military rites will take place in the Elo Cemetery. A celebration of Steve’s life will be at the Otter Lake Sportsmen’s Club in Tapiola on Saturday, June 12th from 4 to 6 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.
