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UPDATE: A service honoring Micheal’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday May 10th at 1:00pm EST at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rockland Michigan. Military Honors will be conducted under the direction of the Ontonagon County Veterans, followed by a memorial service officiated by Bishop Emeritus Tom Skrenes and Bishop Katherine Finegan. Visitation will take place from 11:00am EST until the time of service. A Luncheon will follow at the Rockland Town Hall.
Rev. Micheal Victor Laakko, age 76, of Mass City Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L’Anse Michigan, surrounded by the love of his family.
Micheal was the long-answered prayer of his parents Vera and Emil Laakko. As a child his first faith lessons were on the lap of a mother who truly understood the love of a living God through Jesus Christ. He was baptized, confirmed and ordained from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mass City Michigan. A 1966 graduate of Mass City High School.
A proud veteran, Micheal enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1967 to 1971 during the Vietnam war. While in Vietnam he volunteered at an orphanage and an earlier call to the ministry surfaced once again. Micheal started on that path by attending Soumi College in Hancock Michigan and received a Bachelor of Art Degree from Carthage college in Kenosha Wisconsin. On October 5, 1974 he married the love of his life and dancing partner Denise Harry on the Caledonia Bluff. The couple recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with a surprise party given by their children.
Micheal’s life was one of unwavering service to God, to his family, and to his community. He devoted his life to ministry, serving as Pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie, United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls, Bethany Lutheran Church in Amasa, and most recently as a contract Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Community Church in Trout Creek. He also graciously served as an interim Pastor at several congregations throughout the region. He lovingly brought the hope of the great healer Jesus Christ to those in pain and suffering.
Beyond the pulpit, Micheal found joy in nature and community. He loved hunting, fishing, cutting wood, and taking saunas. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and family. A spirited dancer, he was affectionately nicknamed “Crazy Legs Laakko” for his love of dancing with Denise. He was deeply involved in civic life, serving as Adjutant of the Merrill Preiss American Post 92 in Rockland Michigan. He was the President of the Adventure Mt. Lions Club with his very special project being the Adventure Mountain Ski Hill where you could find him every weekend during the winter season volunteering his time. He also coordinated parking for the Porcupine Music Festival, reflecting his deep ties to his community.
Micheal is survived by his loving wife, Denise Laakko of Mass City; his children, Adam (Stacey) Laakko of Nunica MI, Anna Abdo of Marquette MI, and Allison (Josh Malerman) Laakko of Franklin MI, Andrew Abdo of Marquette MI; his grandchildren, Andres Abdo, Alessandra Abdo, Chase Laakko, and London Laakko; his brother John (Annie) Laakko of Mountain Home Idaho, his sister Sara (James) Hermanson of Birmingham MI, Carrol Harry, Sister in law Laura Fredrickson, bother in laws Dave and Dan Fredrickson, Russ Harry and many cherished nieces and nephews. He had many along the way who saw him and referred to him as “Dad”. He especially enjoyed getting to know Scott, a new companion in Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Vera Laakko, and his beloved son, Samuel Laakko.
As he retired, Pastor Laakko shared this- “In retirement I have come to appreciate even more the gift of each new day and what it means to be CHURCH- Christ Jesus alive in me – calling each new day to reflect the heart of Christ in all we do and say!” “For we do not preach for ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus sake. For it is the God who commanded “light to shine through the darkness”, who has shown in our hearts to knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” 2 Corinthians 4: 5-6
A service honoring Micheal’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday May 10th at 1:00pm EST at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rockland Michigan. Military Honors will be conducted under the direction of the Ontonagon County Veterans, followed by a memorial service officiated by Bishop Emeritus Tom Skrenes and Bishop Katherine Finegan. Visitation will take place from 11:00am EST until the time of service. A Luncheon will follow at the Rockland Town Hall.
Arrangements are being handled by Jacobson Funeral Home. Friends may sign Micheal’s guest book and share condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
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