Hilda S. Polo, 85, of L'Anse, died on June 1st. She was born May 7, 1915, in Victoria, MI, a daughter of Jonas and Fannie (Juirkoski) Walitalo. She is married Edward Polo in Greenland in 1935. Surviving are her husband; a son Daniel and Kathy of Inkster, MI; a daughter, Florence and John Tollefson of L'Anse; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Hulda Peterson of Ontonagon.

Emil J. Jakovich, 84, of Calumet, died on June 1, 2000. He was born in Trimountain on Dec. 10, 1915, a son of Steve and Magdalene Jakovich. He married Mary Whittaker in 1960. Surviving are his wife; three step-daughters, Jean DeRoche of Lake Linden, Joan Whittaker of Bradenton, FL, and Janet Whittaker of San Francisco; three grandchildren, Barney and Michelle DeRoche, and Nicole Hebner; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Frank Jakovich of Soo, MI; and two sisters, Caroline Guili of Painesdale, Ann Grichar of Woodstock, VA.

Raymond C. Gribble, 95, of L'Anse, died on May 30, 2000. He was born July 23, 1904, in Ironwood, a son of Samuel and Susan (Moyle) Gribble. He is survived by two sons, Thomas (Kathleen) of Pequaming, and Kenneth and Elizabeth of Plymouth, MI; a daughter-in-law, Helen Gribble of Golden, CO; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Marlene J. Myllyoja, 59, of Dollar Bay, passed away on May 20, 2000. She was born Feb. 23, 1941, in Mohawk, a daughter of Rudolph and Lucy (Lawrence) Waara. She married Martin Myllyoja in 1960. Martin died in 1999. She is survived by five sons, Dennis, Mark and Patti, Michael, all of Dollar Bay, Martin at home; two grandchildren; four sisters, Sandy Bezotte of Calumet, Betty and Regis DiGiacomo of Wauwatosa, WI, Beverly Kraenzlien of Clinton, Twp, MI, Alice and James Schaaf of Calumet; and a brother, James and Nancy Waara of Dollar Bay.

Ellen "Lillian" Bonneau, 87, of Painesdale, died on May 29, 2000. She was born on Jan. 12, 1913, a daughter of Josiah and Rhoda (Toms) Carne. She married Arthur Bonneau in 1932. She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Ruth Boneau of Painesdale; a granddaughter, Sherri Lewis; a great-granddaughter, Catherine Lewis; and a great-grandson, Michael Fisher.

Angelo Pintar, 86, of Ahmeek, died on May 30, 2000. HE was born in Lokve, Croatia on August 21, 1913, a son of Blash and Pauline Pintar. He is survived by a brother, Matt and Dara Pintar of Finleyville, OH; and sisters, Natalia Pintar of Richmond, MI and Julia and Arthur Simila of Ahmeek.

Raymond Durocher, 85, of Freda died on May 26, 2000. He was born April 9, 1915, in Freda. He first married Marian Adams, later he married Gertrude Kommes. Surviving are his wife; Gertrude; a son, Raymond and Arbutus of Indiana; two stepdaughters, Donna Karry of Freda and Doreen and Jerry Swetich of Freda; four stepsons, Alfred Kommes of Toivola, Peter Kommes of Louisianna, Ronald and Barbara Kommes of Sturgeon Bay, WI and Norman and Jodi Kommes of Chassell; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild; ten step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; a sister, Libbie Savukoski of Freda, a brother Marshall Durocher of Florica. Burial in the Liminga Cemetery.

Mary Rheaume, 90, of Hancock, passed away on May 29, 2000. She was born on Nov. 10, 1909, in Phoenix, MI. She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Sandy Soronen of Sheboygan, WI; a grandson, robert Heinemann; two granddaughters, Tamy Angel and Susan and Ken Knabe; and three great-grandchildren.

Edna (Hayrynen) Lorasch, 77, of Houghton, died on May 26, 2000. She was the daughter of Jacob and Aliina (mantta) Hayrynen, born on Sept. 4, 1922, in Toivola. In 1942, she married Gordon Lorasch. She is survived by her husband; three daughters, Theresa Sanford of Hancock, Margaret and Joseph Hinkie of Huntsville, AL and Aliina and Shawn Radcliff of Gaylord; six grandsons and two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jacob and Doris hayrynen of Christmas, Paul Hayrynen of Florence, CO and Douglas and Laverne Hyrynen of South Range; three sisters, Betty Palmer of Houghton, Eva and Raymond Marullo of Florence, CO and Ruth LaPointe of South Range.

Martha E. Nikkinen, 86, of Hancock, died on May 28, 2000. She was born Aug. 19, 1913, in Hancock, a daughter of Adam and Anna-Briita (Laminaho) Wanhaaho. She married Carl H. Nikkinen in 1988. She is survived by a son, Donald and Angeline of Simi Valley, CA; a daughter, Nancy and Richard Earle of Washington DC; two granddaughters, Karen and Karla; three great-grandchildren, Leandra, Brianna and Blake; two brothers, martin and Sylvia Wanhaaho of White Pine and Viotto Wanhaaho of Elo.

George Howes, 79, of Covington, died May 27, 2000. He was born May 10, 1921, a son of Richard J. Howes and Dennise Beauprey Howes. He married Norma T. Youngren in 1942. George served in the Air Force during World War II. He owned and operated his own business in Covington, Howes Standard Service, until it closed in 1964. He is survived by his wife; two children, Luella and Allan Eskel and James and Jean Howes, both of Covington; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Interment in the Covington Cemetery.

Arthur (Rudy) Peterson, 77, of Rhode Island Location, died on May 27, 2000. He was born March 6, 1923, in Boston Location, a son of Lempi and William Peterson. He was a veteran having served with the "Sea Bees" in the US Navy during WWII. Surviving are two sons, Robert B. and Patricia of Warren, MI; Randy and Toni Peterson of Gaylord, MI; three grandchildren, Joshua Klug, Reegan Morey, Tyler Morey; a sister, Helen and Sam Frontera of Novi, MI; two aunts, martha Dolkey of Ishpeming, Lila Hiltunen of Calumet; two sister-in-law, Lillian Peterson of Mt. Morris, MI, and Grace Peterson of Birmingham, MI.

Fred Pechawer, 82, of Calumet, died on May 21, 2000. He was born in Calumet on Dec. 17, 1917, a son of John and Mary Pechawer. He served in the Army Air Force in the Pacific during WWII. He is survived by a brother, Jacob and Maxine of Cairo, MN; two sisters, Kate and Forrest Byerman of Springfield, OH; anne and Harold Moilanen of Calumet.

Frederick F. Bohjanen, 74, of Oskar, passed away unexpectedly on May 25, 2000. He was born May 16, 1926, in Hancock, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Takalo) Bohjanen. He married Joyce Hendrickson in 1947. Fred had worked as Chief Engineer for the C&O Carferrier and later, as Supervisor for Dow Chemical Company. He retired in 1983. He was a veteran of the US Merchant Marines serving during WWII and the Korean War. He is survived by his wife; a son, Chris and Marianne of Atlantic Mine; four daughters, Sherry, Kathleen Kovalchik,Patricia and Gerald Svendor, all of Ludington, and Suzanne of Norton Shores, MI; 17 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Margaret and Mike Bourgeois of Atlantic Beach, FL; three brothers, Arnold and Elaine of Kalamazoo, MI, Robert and mabel of Marquette, Edward and Joyce North of Toivola; and nies and nephews.

Homer R. Colclasure, 95, of Ontonagon, died on May 23, 2000. He was born May 7, 1905 in Berry, IL to John and Ella (Dempsy) Colelasure. He married Laila Koistinen Homer in 1938. He is survived by his wife; children; Yvonne and Andy Poulos of Ontonagon, Kathleen and Don Preinitz of Iron Mountain, Homer and Leah Colclasure of New Jersey, Penny and David Saari of Ontonagon; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Evelyn M. Guy, 89, of Calumet, passed away on May 24, 2000. She was born July 30. 1911 in Winona, a daughter of Axel and Mary (Johnson) Dryge. She is survived by a daughter, Sharon and KEnneth Kangas of Tapiola; a son, Keith Guy of Eagle River, MI; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Elvie Dryge of Calumet; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dernice E. Laplander, 73, of Kearsarge, died on May 24, 2000. She was born Oct. 29, 1926, in Calumet, a daughter of Peter and Sylvia (Johnson) Maatta. Surviving are her husband, Roy; a son, Bruce and Geraldine of Boston Location; a daughter, Susan and Randy Jones of Lake Linden; six grandchildren; two brother, Doug and Pat Maatta of St. Helen, MI; and two sisters, Bertha and Albert Kinnunen of Calumet, Dorothy Frusti of Laurium.

Wanda Lynn (Gamache) Brandenburg, 34, of Tamarack City, died suddenly on May 9, 2000. Wanda was born July 17, 1965, in Laurium, a daughter of Richard Gamache and Florence (Anderson) Fontaine. She is survived by four children; Bradley, Johnathon, Carolyn and Amanda; her father, Richard and Darlene Gamache of Calumet; her mother, Florence and Michael Fontaine of Newberry; one brother, Dean Gamache of Houghton; two sisters, Laura and Rodney LaRoux and Christine and Leo Gruber of Lake Linden; step brothers, Jesse Fontaine of Houghton, bobby Fountaine and Rocky Gamache of Calumet, step-sister, Donna Fontaine and Roxanne Gamache of Calumet; a step grandmother, Helene Fontaine of Lake Linden; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

John J. Theiler, 51, of Mohawk, died on May 20, 2000. John was born July 19, 1948, in Tomahawk, WI, a son of Joseph and Cecelia Theiler. He served in the US Army in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He is survived by his wife, Paula, a daughter, Laura; step-son, Bill Guerra of CO, mother, Cecelia of Ahmeek; brothers, Gene and Norma of Woodinville, WA, Daniel and Cheryl of Tomahawk, WI, Mark and Patricia of Euharle, GA, Thomas and Sally of Savanah, GA; sisters, Donna and Richard Holmstrom of Calumet, Debra and Robert Holmstrom of Germany, Patricia and Robert Miller of San Diego, CA, and Marly and Chaunce Reider of Toledo, OH.

Irene Pini, 81, of Hubbell died on May 20, 2000, at her home. She was born in Hubbell Dec. 10, 1918, to George and Mathilda (Fountaine) Clouthier. Irene had been employed by the former A&P Store in Hancock and was the housekeeper for several priests at St. Cecilia Rectory in Hubbell. She married Alfred Pini in 1941, he died in 1969. She is survived by a son, Jim of Schofield, WI, two daughters, Pat and Don Hallowell of Dowagiac, MI, JoAnn Pini and Jim Kuusisto of Hubbell; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; a brother, Clyde and Charlotte Clouthier of Bootjack; two sisters, Jean Beck of Hubbell and Claire and Art Chaput of Hubbell.

Arthur N. Ruonavaara, 53, formerly of Gay, died on May 17, 2000. He was born on June 22, 1946, to Homer Kenneth and Eva Ruonavaara. He was a veteran of the US Army. He married Reggie Schmidt and later Patricia Wahtola of Kearsarge. He is survived by his children; Norman of FL, Tammy of Calumet, Elizabeth Cutler of New York, Jenelle Gardner of Texas; grandchildren, glen Gardner II of Lake Linden, Ravyn Kotila of Calumet, Caleb Ruonavaara of FL; sisters, Jean Norma and Dale all of FL.

Patrick J. Besaw, 75, of Covington Rest Home, died on May 20, 2000. He was bron on March 8, 1925, in Shingleton, the son of John and Margaret (Worchuck) Besaw. He is survived by brothers, Stanley of Gary, IN, David, Donald, Thomas and William, all of Shingleton; and sisters Eleanor, Mary, and Alice, also of Shingleton.

Signe Walls, 78, of Paynesville died on May 20, 2000. She was born on Aug 3, 1922, in Bessemer, daughter of John and Mary Pokela. She married Ralph Walls in 1940. For the past several years she has spent part of the year in Baraga and part in Gary, IN. She is survived by four daughters, Joan of Gary, IN, Janet Mattson of Pelkie, June Parkila of Baraga, and Jean Hokkanen of Trout Creek; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gertie Ojaniemi of Ewen and Elaine David of Eckerman; and three brothers, Walter, Donald and Raymond all of Ewen.

William J. Andrews, 62, of South Range, died unexpectedly on May 15, 2000. He was born on Feb. 12, 1938, in Trimountain, MI, a son of Thomas and Irene (Raisanen) Andrews. He married Carolyn Tapani in 1958. Billy was a veteran of the US Army, serving from 1958 to 1960. He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Tonnie and Daniel DeRosier of Painesdale, Sherrie Houston of Pewamo, MI; a son, Bill and Theresa of Ironwood; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a brother, Richard of Painesdale.

Arven H. Takanen, 91, of L'Anse, formerly of Watton, died on May 13, 2000. He was born Sept. 28, 1908, in Finland, a son of John and Maria Takanen. He moved to the United States at age 4 and gret up in Ishpeming and Watton. He married Helen Kanniainen in 1934. He is survived by his wife; a son Jerome and Sigrid of Marquette; a sister, Mary Syria of Marquette; a granddaughter; Rhonda Takanen of Marquette; four step grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Edward J. Ross, 92, of Hancock, died on May 13, 2000. He was born in Calumet on July 8, 1907, a son of Daniel and Mary (Sullivan) Ross. He is a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army in Northern France. Edward worked for the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission for 32 years until his retirement. He is survived by nephews, Patrick and Diane Ross of Hancock and Donald Ross of Ontonagon; and grand-nieces and nephews.

Bertha Lammi, 79, of L'Anse died on May 12, 2000. She was born on July 1, 1920, in Houghton, a daughter of Mike and Hilja (Takala) Talus. She married Urbo Lammi in 1940. Bertha is survived by a son, Mike and Joan of Hanover Park, IL; a daughter, Julie and Mike Delich of Tapiola; a brother, Wayne Talus of Ishpeming; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Aune Stromback, 78,of L'Anse died on May 11, 2000. She was born on March 28, 1922 in L'Anse, a daughter of Louis and Helmi (Suoniemi) Pirttinen. In 1941, she married Albert Stromback in Laurium. Albert died in 1979. Aune worked as a salesclerk at the BEn Franklin and a Red Coat at the Tourist Bureau. She was also a bus director for the Baragaland Senior Citizen Center. She is survived by a son, Eric and Shiela of Sault Ste. Marie.

Albert A. Tapani, 79, of Houghton, died on May 11, 2000. He was born on July 30, 1920, in Oskar, a son of Lauri and Saima (Nordman) Tapini. In 1949 he married Hulda Ruiska. Hulda died in 1990. Surviving are five nephews and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Walter A. Goeckel, of Laurium, died on May 9, 2000. He was born in Owasso, MI a son of Marie and Fredrick Goeckel. He lived most of his life in Romulus and for the past year, made his home in Laurium. He was employed as a welder for Ford Motor Company in Detroit for 35 years, retiring in 1968. He married Marie Levitski, she died in 1973. In 1974 he married Tyne Pintamo Hoganson. Surviving are his wife, Tyne; a son Walter and Carole of Gladwin, MI; a daughter, Ellen and Ray Kurnik of Taylor, MI; a step-son, Gary Hoganson of Rochester Hills, MI; two step-daughters, Patricia and Bobby Neese of Clarksville, TN, Jill and Daniel Haas of calumet; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Martin Wenberg, 78, of Dollar Bay, died on May 9, 2000. He was born Jan. 4, 1922, in Dollar Bay, son of Emil and Theresa Hess Wenberg. He was a veteran of WWII, having served with the 106th Infantry in the Army. He was also a prisoner of war, having been captured during the Battle of the Bulge. He was employed by the Foley Wire Mill and later, for Dollar Bay Tile until his retirement. He married Esther Norbeck in 1942. Martin is survived by his wife; four sons, Robert and Gwen of Watersmeet, Gary and Nancy of Trap Rock, Marlin and Judy of Dollar Bay; Glenn and Kelly of Dollar Bay; five grandchildren; six step grandchildren; two sisters, Florence McEachan of Allen Park, MI, Dorothy and robert Heinrich of Lakeland, FL; two brothers, John and Lena of Kenosha, WI, and Robert and Virginia of Sheboygan Falls, WI.

Joseph H. Magnant, 57, of Baraga, died on May 11, 2000. He was born June 26, 1942, in L'Anse, son of Joseph and Grace (Genschow) Magnant. He served in the US Army from 1961 to 1967. He is survived by a brother, Gamy Magnant of Livingston, CA, two sisters, Linda and Donald Messer of Baraga, Elizabeth Garcia of Baraga, a step-daughter, Rebecca Betancourt, step-son Warren Rock, step grandchildren Samuel rock, Aaron and Monica Betancourt.

Jean Mitchell, 81, of Houghton died on May 9, 2000. She was born June 25, 1918, in Ironwood, a daughter of Mary and Frederick Mitchell. Jean was employed by Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Lansing until her retirement. She is survived by three nieces, Mary Jean and Robert Daavettila of Chassell, Marybeth and Al Jarosz of Dearborn Heights, Ann Kelty of Calif; a nephew, Jospeh and christine Sylvestre of Green Bay; and several grand nieces and nephews.

Raymond J. Fonatine, 90, of Lake Linden, died on May 11, 2000. He was born in Mason on June 6, 1909, the youngest of 10 children of John and Olivan (Chartier) Fountain. He married Annabelle M. Blisle in 1935, she died in 1974. Surviving are two sons, Ray and Shirley of Escanaba, Willis and Brenda of Houghton; six grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Robert Antikainen, 62, of Calumet, died on May 10, 2000. He was born on July 19, 1937 in Calumet, a son of Arthur and Ina Antikainen. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1954 retiring in 1975 as a Chief Petty Officer. He married Charlsie Clouthier in 1977. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Lisa of iron Mountian, Laurie and Gary Velleman of Neenah, WI; three grandchildren; his mother, Ina of Laurium; three brothers, Gary and Jan of Whitehall, MT, John and Alice of Crystal MI, David and Cindy of Laurium; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ernest C. Tolvonen, 67, of Massi City, died on May 7, 2000. He was born Sept. 7, 1932, to Kaarlo and Eva (kaurala) Toivonen in Mass City. He married Helen Anttila in 1952. Ernest was a teacher and a coach at Mass High School for nine years and at the Ontonagon Area Schools for 20 years. He was a high school and college basketball official for 32 years. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Karen and Mike Lafoille; grandson, Zack of Manistique; a brother, Jerry and Barbara of Crystal Falls; a sister, Evelyn and Irving Olosn of Mass City; and an uncle, John and Mildred Toivonen of L'Anse.

Jean Schires, 67, of Ontonagon, died on May 9, 2000, while residing in Phoeniz, AZ. She was born on March 21, 1933, in Mass City to Frank and Tyyne (Store) Anttila. Jean's husband, Gerald "Jerry" passed away in 1999. She is survived by four children, Brian of Fairfax Station, VA, Karen Todd of Pheonix, AZ, Joy Scopellite of Pheonix, Jerene Bramwell of Marshfield, MA; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Douglas Anttila of Clearwater, Fl, Ronald of mass City, Arnold of Ontonagon; and a sister, Estelle Merigan of Royal Oak.