ROBERT J. "BOB" LAITILA's Obituary
ROBERT J. “BOB” LAITILA, 81, of Baraga, MI passed away Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse. Bob was born in Trimountain, MI on February 10, 1930 the son of the late Edward and Impi (Keranen) Laitila. He attended schools in Askel, Alberta and the John Doelle School in Tapiola. Bob served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard several vessels in the Coral Sea. He worked as a heavy equipment operator at C.A. Johnson Construction Company and retired in 1992 Bob was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 324 in Troy, MI. He married the former Joan Ellerby in Detroit on February 27, 1954. Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping.
Mr. Laitila is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joan, brothers Howard (Margaret) Laitila of Keweenaw Bay, Wesley (Sue) Laitila of Keweenaw Bay, David (Diana) Laitila of L’Anse, Edsel Laitila of Elo, and Roger Laitila of Askel, sisters Shirley Schuman of Brighton, MI. and Lori (Jim) Stingle of Elo. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive, including his special grand nephew Easton. He was preceded in death by his sister Joyce, and brothers Roland and Donald.
Funeral services for Mr. Laitila were held at 11 am Thursday, March 10, 2011 from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor John Autio officiating. The family received friends at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 10 am 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 funeral chapel on Thursday at 10:30 am. Spring interment will take place in the Askel Cemetery. Following the services on Thursday, 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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