REINO W. KETOLA's Obituary
Reino W. Ketola, 78,of Gwinn, MI. passed away peacefully on June 8, 2009 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He had been a patient at Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming for 9 days following a brief hospital stay. He was born on January 10, 1931 in Watton, Mi to Jacob and Edla Ketola.
Reino served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post in Covington, MI. and the D.A.V. He had retired from MDOT as the Superintendent of District 1 after 32 years with the department. Reino is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Marie who selflessly cared for him at home throughout his battle with the disease. He loved his 3 children, Terry (Marinela) Ketola of St. Augustine, FL, John (Shirley) Ketola of Zephyrhills, FL and Diane (James) Reed of Hayden, ID. He also loved his 5 stepchildren, Daniel (Jeanie) Cox of Grand Ledge, MI, Ronald Cox of Brighton, MI, John (Debra) Cox of Garland, TX, Karen Harju of Perrysburg, OH and Michelle (Dana) LaBar of Rogers City, MI. Reino and Marie have 18 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren. He has one living brother, Ralph Ketola of Atlanta, GA and three sisters, Linda Cattron of Negaunee, MI, Dagnie Carlson of Livonia, MI, and Esther (Raynold) Lepola of Marquette, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers, Wilho, Victor, Arthur, and Rueben and sisters Elma, Hilda, Tyne, Dagmar and Ruth.
Reino was very proud of his Finnish heritage. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, a simple walk in the woods, hunting, fishing, or gardening. He also loved to travel with Marie and spend time with the family. He was quite a craftsman and an expert “Mr. Fixit”. He often said, “If man made it, I can figure it out.” If you wish to make a memorial contribution in honor of Reino Ketola please consider the Alzheimer’s Association or the Watton Apostolic Lutheran Church.
Funeral services for Mr. Ketola were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2009 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Reverend Pesola officiating. The family received friends at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 12 noon until the time of the service. Following the service interment took place in the Covington Cemetery where a graveside military service was held.
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