WILLIAM E. "BILL" PYHTILA, JR.

October 22, 1944 - November 2, 2013

WILLIAM E. “BILL” PYHTILA, JR, age 68, of L’Anse passed away Monday, October 21, 2013 at Westside Residential Care, L’Anse. Bill was born in Hancock, MI on October 22, 1944, the son of the late William E. Toini (Lehtinen) Pyhtila, Sr. Bill graduated from L’Anse High School in 1963, and then attended Finlandia College. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Bill married the former Betty Ann Mytty at United Lutheran Church, L’Anse on April 20, 1974. He worked for CCI as an assistant plant operator at Empire Mine, Palmer, MI until his retirement in 2007. Bill was a member of United Lutheran Church, L’Anse, the L’Anse American Legion Post #144, and L’Anse VFW Post #3897. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Bill was an animal lover. Bill is survived by his loving family; wife Betty Ann, children Matt Pyhtila of Negaunee, and Joy (Brandon) Turunen of Cary, North Carolina, grandchildren Payton Turunen, Carter Turunen, and Lindsey Turunen, Anja Pyhtila, and Samara Pyhtila, cousin Phyllis (Richard) Kruse of L’Anse, and numerous other family members also survive. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his cousin John Hokkanen Funeral services for Bill were held at 12 noon, Saturday, November 2, 2013 from United Lutheran Church, L’Anse with Pastor Greg Mileski officiating. The family received friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Baraga County area veterans, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post #444 conducted military honors at the church on Saturday at 11 a.m. In lieu of other forms of expression, Memorials in Bill’s honor may be directed to Copper Country Humane Society or United Lutheran Church Endowment Fund. Envelopes are available.