As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Edward Joseph Virtanen, 64, of Trimountain, Michigan passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026 after a lifetime of perseverance, strength, and determination. He was born on November 18, 1961 to Frances Wiideman and Francis Virtanen of Toivola, Michigan.
Edward was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a man others could always count on. He was a quiet and stoic man, but those who took the time to talk with him soon discovered his remarkable intelligence, kindness, and ability to have deep and meaningful conversations about nearly everything. He treated everyone with respect and was always willing to listen or lend a hand.
Before becoming disabled, Edward worked as an ASE Certified Master Mechanic, after finishing effortlessly at the top of his class at Northern Michigan University for automotive technology, finishing Second Place in the statewide VICA Competition, and completing many additional certifications. When he didn’t have a part or a tool, he found a way through designing and fabricating. He was an exceptionally skilled mechanic who could fix nearly anything that had an engine. He loved motor sports, particularly NASCAR and NHRA and he cherished the years spent working on and racing his mud truck. He also had a lifelong love of history and spent countless hours reading and learning from ancient civilizations to the Roman Empire, Mars, and the universe. There was rarely a subject he couldn’t become fascinated with. His heart also always remained drawn to the mountains and the West, places he had grown to love when he was young.
He was honest, trustworthy, hardworking, and determined to live his life the right way. When someone needed help Edward showed up. When someone was struggling, he listened. When something was broken, he tried to fix it. And when life knocked someone down, he was the kind of man who would simply tell them to get back up and keep going. He was always there for people.
He endured more hardships and health struggles than most could imagine, yet he continued forward. His mental and physical fortitude were extraordinary. Edward fought a long and difficult fight throughout his life, and he fought it with a strength that few could match. He never stopped showing up, he never stopped trying.
To his son, Edward was much more than a father. He was a teacher, a mentor, and one of his closest friends. He was the person Matthew turned to for everything – successes, failures, cars, relationships, business, and the countless questions that life brings. From teaching his young son how to turn a wrench to teaching him about history and the world, he will be deeply missed-not only for all that he did but simply for his presence. His son carries with him the values Edward instilled, the knowledge he shared, the strength he demonstrated, and the love of a father who was always there. Edward gave him lessons that will last a lifetime.
His greatest lesson was simply to keep going, never give up. Edward’s life was not measured by how easy the road was, but by the fact that he kept walking it.
He was a good man. A tough man. A loving father. And he will never be forgotten.
Edward is survived by his son, Matthew Virtanen, and Matthew’s wife, Ashley Virtanen; his grandsons, Toivo and Dawson Virtanen; his siblings, Beth, Joyce, Emily, Lynn, Ann, and Gene; and his former wife, Lynne Virtanen. He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Virtanen, and his brother, Jon.
A prayer service for Matthew will be held 4:00 pm Friday September 4, 2026, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range. Burial will be in the Toivola Cemetery.
Friends may call on Friday September 4, 2026, from 12 noon until time of services at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation – Mt. View Chapel of South Range.
To view Edward’s obituary or to send condolences to his family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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