OTTO N. URPILA's Obituary
OTTO N. URPILA, 89, of Covington, MI. passed away Sunday, August 12, 2007 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit following a lengthy illness. He was born in Paynesville, MI. on February 25, 1918 son of the late Matt and Anna Urpila. Otto attended the Paynesville School and graduated from Kenton High School. He also attended welding school in downstate Michigan. Otto served in the US Army during WWII and was a decorated veteran. He married the former Lily Maki on May 11, 1946. Otto worked for Wood Development in Sidnaw. He was then employed at CCI both in the Humboldt and Republic Mines and was maintenance foreman. He had been employed there for 27 years. Otto was also an instructor at the Mather A. Training Center. He had served on the Republic School board. Otto lived in Republic from 1954 to 1974 and then moved to Covington. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Covington and served on the church board. Otto was a former member of the Fire Dept. and Lions Club. He was past Commander of the Covington VFW Post #8945. Otto was an avid Tigers and Packers fan and enjoyed hunting, fishing and making mechanical things.
Mr. Urpila is survived by his loving wife, Lily of 61 years, son James (Helen) Urpila of Keweenaw Bay, and brother, Robert Urpila of Kenton. He was preceded in death by brothers, Edwin and Jack, and sisters, Lila and Leah.
Funeral services for Mr. Urpila were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor Leslie Niemi officiating. Interment took place in the Covington Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 1 p.m. until time of the service. Baraga County Area Veterans under the direction of Baraga American Legion Post 444 conducted military honors at the Covington Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. Following the interment a luncheon was held at the Bethany Lutheran Church. The family has entrusted the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with arrangements.
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