Paul M. Kostamo

SOUTH RANGE

Paul M. Kostamo, 64, a resident of South Range, died Thursday, November 30, 2017, at home with family by his side following a five year battle with cancer.
He was born October 18, 1953, in Hancock, Mich., a son of the late Paul and Aune (Taipale) Kostamo.
Paul was a 1971 graduate of the Jeffers High School. Following graduation, he entered into the United States Army, serving from 1971 to 1974 during the end of the Vietnam War.
After his military discharge, Paul started his apprenticeship as an electrician. He traveled often as a union construction electrician, retiring after 39 years due to illness.
On October 28, 1978, Paul married the former Torey Dugdale in Painesdale. Together they enjoyed bike riding, taking rides, going on picnics and taking cruises. Paul’s favorite cruise was his retirement cruise they took to the Panama Canal. They also enjoyed trips to see their granddaughters.
Paul was a member of Grace Lutheran Church of South Range, Ranger Post 6165 VFW of South Range and IBEW Local 219. He was a retired volunteer of the South Range Fire Department. In his earlier years, Paul enjoyed playing poker with the guys. He was an avid walker, participating in the Canal Walk for many years and also numerous local charity walks. He loved traveling and the outdoors. In the winter he shoveled snow and in the summer months he enjoyed going to McLain’s State Park and sitting in his back yard watching the birds. People always commented on what a great smile he had.
Paul was proud of his children and his son-in-law, and was blessed with two beautiful granddaughters, whom he adored. He will be sorely missed by his family who loved him dearly.
Surviving is his loving wife, Torey of South Range;
a daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Thomas Skewis of Negaunee;
a son, Eric Kostamo of South Range;
two granddaughters, Kendall and Sydney Skewis;
two sisters, Alice Gerzetich of Painesdale, and Marlene (Carl) Sechan of Fenton; three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Pauline (Greg) Gaffney of Manistique, Jeff Dugdale of Toivola, Cindy Lorenz of Painesdale, and Jacqueline “Jackie” Dugdale of Atlantic Mine; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, Paul was also preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Pete Hampton; a brother, Donald Hovey; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ruth and Sidney Dugdale; and two brothers-in-law, Bill Gerzetich and Roger Lorenz.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Oncology department of UP Health System Portage and UP Health System Home Care and Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church in South Range, with Pastor Jay Weidner to officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range, where a memorial service conducted by Range Post will be held at 5 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Spring burial with military rites will be in the Mountain View Cemetery in South Range. Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.