HOWARD N. LAITILA's Obituary
Howard Norman Laitila passed from this world on Monday, August 18, 2014 surrounded by his family at Baraga County Memorial Hospital. He was 80 years old. Howard was born on March 3, 1934 in Askel, Michigan, the son of the late Edward and Mayme (Heikkinen) Laitila. He resided in Keweenaw Bay since 1976. Howard attended Alberta and John Doelle School in Tapiola, completing the 8th grade. Howard had a keen common sense and was a self-taught very intelligent man. In 1955 he married the former Margaret “Peggy” Ferguson in Angola, Indiana. He was adept at many skilled trades, and was an extremely hard-working man. He was particularly well-known for his drywall contracting business, and for being extremely fast and efficient, while showing immense pride in his work. An avid outdoorsman, who hunted and fished all his life, passing down his enthusiasm and skills to his children and grandchildren. He took exceptional pride in his camp on Otter Lake, which was built by his own hands and those of his children and grandchildren, along with numerous family members and friends; a family keepsake that will remain in the family for generations. Howard was a gentle giant, he would give you the shirt off his back and was always willing to help his fellow man. His humor and jovial laugh were infectious, one of a kind that could be heard for a country mile, always the life of the party.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Margaret “Peggy” Laitila, three children; Michael (Elaine) Laitila Canton Michigan, Daniel (Linda) Laitila South Lyon Michigan, and Edward (Cheryl) Laitila Hancock Michigan, 8 grandchildren; Michael, Matthew, Tommy, Ryan, Rory, Regan, and Easton Laitila, and Alissa and Johnathon Robillard, one great-granddaughter Olivia Rose Laitila . He is also survived by sisters Shirley Schuman and Lori (Jim) Stingle, brothers; Edsel Laitila, Wesley (Sue) Laitila, David (Diana) Laitila, Roger Laitila, sister in-law Joan Laitila, childhood friend David (Coach) Tauriainen and lifelong friend Charles (Don) Eilola. He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert (Joan), Donald, Roland, and sister Joyce Laitila.
A graveside service was held at the Askel Cemetery at 2 pm Sunday, August 31, 2014.
A celebration of his life was held at his Otter Lake camp immediately following the service.
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