Arnold F. Hintsala
Negaunee
Arnold F. ‘Arnie’ Hintsala, 90, of 1104 Oak St., Negaunee, passed away at home early Sunday morning, June 21, 2015.
Arnie was born August 29, 1924 in Ishpeming to Erick and Lizzie (Perna) Hintsala and was raised in Black River. He attended Republic schools and later earned his GED. Arnie worked all his life; beginning at age 9, working with his father in his grandfather’s sawmill with pulp logs. At age 16 he worked as a dump truck driver under a contract with the Works Progress Administration and at 18 worked at the Blueberry Mine in Clarksburg. He also worked at the Mather Mine and various other mechanic and sales positions prior to his fulltime career with the Michigan National Guard’s 1436th Engineering Company.
Mr. Hintsala was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served 18 months overseas in the World War II European Theatre as part of Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division. He still remembered after all these years driving over the Remagen Bridge where there was a sign saying, “Courtesy of the Michigan National Guard, 254th Engineering Battalion.” He was involved in the military for nearly 40 years, being the oldest WWII combat veteran in the Michigan Army National Guard, retiring as Master Sergeant at age 62. Arnie has many medals and commendations for his years of service to our country.
Arnie was a life member of V.A. Romo Post #3165, Negaunee VFW, and Immanuel Lutheran Church. During retirement, he kept busy with his beloved family, senior bowling and golfing leagues, and activities at the Negaunee Senior Center. He loved travelling the country with his motor home and greatly missed this mobility the past few years.
Surviving are 2 sons: A. Fred (Betty) Hintsala of Redding, CA and Glenn (Candy) Hintsala of Negaunee; 2 daughters: Tina (Bob) Johnson and Christal (Danny) Peterson, both of Negaunee; a brother, Reino (Joan) Hintsala of Negaunee; a sister, Shirley (Glenn) Edlund of Iron Mountain; grandchildren: Darren (Rosy) Hintsala, Brett (B.J.) Hintsala, Shon (Robin) Johnson, Mark (Gena) Johnson, Cory (Amanda) Johnson, Chad (Stephanie) Hintsala, Shelly (Bud) Aho, Amber and Brady Peterson; great-grandchildren: Audrey, Valerie, Ryker and Zaila Hintsala, Bobby, Zach, Annah, Tyler and Ava Johnson, Megan, Autumn, and Tyler Hintsala, Brock and Maci Aho, Kaleigh, Gabriella, Bryce, Catalina Peterson and Adeleigh Riutta; step-great-grandchildren: Curtis, Kyle and Craig Landry, Nikki Husser and Diana Elrod; a step-great-great-grandson, Paxton Landry; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 50 years, Adele (Gravedoni) Hintsala on Jan. 12, 1994; and 3 sisters: Irene Hemmila, Helen Vilona and June Kohn.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, June 26th at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Tamra Harder officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 am until the time of services at 11:30 am at the church on Friday, and also at a luncheon in the church hall immediately following the service. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Arnie’s grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Mr. Hintsala’s memory to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, the Negaunee VFW or the Negaunee Senior Center.
Arnie’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of ARNOLD FREDERICK "ARNIE" HINTSALA, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.