Wiljo R. Kuuisisto's Obituary
Mr. Wiljo R. Kuusisto, age 95, of Covington, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse, following a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and a close family friend. Wiljo was born in Iron River, MI on August 18, 1920 the son of the late Emil and Hanna ((Kniivila) Kuusisto. He moved to Watton in 1928. Wiljo attended school in Iron River and Wattton. He was drafted into the US Army in 1942 and served his country proudly in World War II in the African and European Campaigns along with his lifelong army buddy, Lee Hanson. On April 7, 1951 he married the former Lillian Heikkinen and had three children, Gary, Betty and Donna. He was very proud of his children and his five grandchildren. Wiljo owned a logging company with his brother, Charles Hill for many years. He subsequently worked for Baraga County Road Commission for several years, retiring in 1982. Wiljo was a member of the local Lions Club, a volunteer fire fighter and was an original member of the Covington Historical Society, He was a lifelong member of the Covington VFW Post #8945 and greatly enjoyed his WWII honor flight to Washington DC in 2013.Wiljo was a good bowler, and played on the local Texaco bowling team for many years. He was an avid sportsman enjoying fishing and hunting throughout his entire life. He shot a four point buck in the 2014 deer hunting season and caught his last two fish out of Lake Superior in June 2015 at his cabin on Point Abbaye. Wiljo enjoyed travel and traveled through most of the United States, including Hawaii as well as Mexico, Canada and Finland. He was an elegant dancer and danced with his wife at their grandsons wedding in August 2014. He played a mean harmonica. Wiljo was an optimist and believed in the goodness of all people. He was generous, able to balance hard work and fun and was a loving and faithful husband, father and friend. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Wiljo is survived by his loving wife, Lillian, children Gary (Marcia) Kuusisto of Arlington, TX, Betty (Victor) Lyberg of Gladstone, MI and Donna Wilhoit of Alexandria, VA, five grandchildren Jamie (Brent) Lyberg, Joel (Devin) Lyberg, Tammy Lyberg, Eric (Mary) Kuusisto and Karin Kuusisto. He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Hanna and his brother Charles Hill.
Graveside military honors for Mr. Kuusisto where conducted by Baraga County area veterans, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post #444 at 3 p.m. Friday September 25, 2015 at the Covington Cemetery. Immediately following the interment, friends were invited to join the family for a celebration of his life and a luncheon at the Covington VFW Post #8945.
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