Rodney A Tarvainen

October 17, 1938 - July 1, 2017

Rodney A. Tarvainen, age 78, of Covington passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse. He was born in Covington on October 17, 1938, the son of the late August and Elna (Salli) Tarvainen. Rodney graduated from L’Anse High School in 1956. On August 22, 1959 he married the former Gail A. Perry at Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington. Rodney had been a self-employed logger for many years and retired from Baraga County Road Commission where he had worked as a grader operator. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the church council and the Covington Historical Society. Rodney had enjoyed camping, cross country skiing, walking and had walked the Mackinaw Bridge Walk, tinkering in his work shop, being outdoors, hunting or just sitting in his deer blind. He was an avid fan of the Tigers, Michigan football, the Lions and the Redwings. Mr. Tarvainen is survived by his loving wife Gail of Covington, sons Rodney (Debbie) Tarvainen of Lake Linden, Jon (Lisa) Tarvainen of Watton and Terry Tarvainen of Covington, grandchildren Ben Tarvainen, Kellie (Larry) Davis, Stephaine (JJ Laitala) Tarvainen, Katie (Jarod) LaPlante, Kayla Tarvainen, Kortney Tarvainen, Korri Tarvainen, Alex (Courtney Harris) Tarvainen and Lucas Tarvainen, 9 great grandchildren, brother Russell (Arlene) Tarvainen of Watton and his aunt Elvie Pitcher of down state Michigan. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by three children, Joy Lynn, Larry David and Rachelle Diane. Funeral services for Mr. Tarvainen were held at 2:30 pm on Friday, July 7, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington with Pastor Mark Reinsch officiating. The family greeted friends at church on Friday from 1:30 pm until the time of the service. Immediately after the funeral service, interment took place in the Covington Cemetery followed by a luncheon in the church hall. My wife and children and family: “Gail and I had many happy and loving years together. Our love grew and grew and also in faith. I died the journey is over, I beg of you never forget me. Stay united between each other. Also believe in your faith. Soon we will all be together in eternity. I died, but my love didn’t die. I will love you in heaven as I have loved you on earth.”