LEO G. KIVELA's Obituary
LEO G. KIVELA, 88, of Covington, passed away Friday, April 15, 2011 at Bayside Village in L’Anse where he had been a resident for the last nineteen months. He was born on January 24, 1923, in Negaunee, the son of the late John and Hilma (Jacobson) Kivela. Leo attended school in Watton and graduated from Amasa High School. He served in the army from January of 1943 to February of 1946. Leo worked as a logger and then at CCI until his retirement in 1985. On November 6, 1948 he married Eleanor Saari in Hancock and they made their home in Covington. She preceded him in death on September 11, 2009. Leo had many interests. He loved to travel and was proud to have visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Finland. He liked hunting, fishing, trapping, and camping. Leo did woodworking, making clocks for family and friends. During his time at Bayside Village, he enjoyed the activities and socializing.
Mr. Kivela is survived by sons, Alan (Jeanette) Kivela of Hessel, MI, Rick (Marie) Kivela of Katy, TX, and Mark (Pam) Kivela of Marshfield, WI, daughter, Elaine (Don) Grentz of Nisula; grandchildren, Michelle, Carl, Jim, Jeff, Michael, Christy, Courtney, and Nicole; great grandchildren, Colin, Sienna, Carley, Knox, Rylee, Jayme, and Molly, brothers, Robert (Maureen) Kivela of Colgate, WI, and Marvin (Joyce) Kivela of Manitowish Waters, WI; sister-in-law, Alice Sanderfoot of Kimberly, WI; uncle-in-law, Robert Godell of Watton; and numerous niece, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his wife; he was preceded in death by a brother, Art Kivela; sisters, Irene Jackowski and Vi Lahti; and brother-in-laws, Stanley Jackowski, Ray Lahti, and Vincent Sanderfoot.
A memorial service for Mr. Kivela was held at 2 pm, Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor John Autio officiating. The family received friends at the funeral chapel on Tuesday from 12 noon until the time of the service. Interment took place in the Covington Cemetery. Following the service, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral chapel.
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