Obituary for ELVIN JAMES "Jim" KIVISTO
Elvin James ‘Big Jim’ Kivisto, 73, of the Dead River Basin, Negaunee Township, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, May 9, 2019 at the Trillium Hospice House in Marquette surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Jim was born July 3, 1945 in Ishpeming to Eino John and Ellen Marie (Hautamaki) Kivisto and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1963. He then earned a degree from Greer Technical Institute. Following his education, he served in the United States Army in Germany with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Artillery during the Vietnam War. Jim remained close with his fellow soldiers throughout the years, and they held an annual ‘3-2-1 Reunion’ which he enjoyed attending.
Following his service to his country, Jim was employed for Erickson Oil before he began his career with UPPCO at the Presque Isle Power Plant as an electrical technician. He retired from WE Energies in 2001.
Jim was a member of the Negaunee Elks and the Dead River Camper’s Association. Following retirement, he wintered in Texas where he was a member of the American Legion. Jim loved spending time at the Dead River Camp, pontooning, playing cards, dice games, and enjoyed joking around and making people laugh.
Surviving are his niece, Doni (Steve) Hernandez of Negaunee; five nephews: Lance (Heidi) Peterson of Ishpeming, Frank Sommers of Washington, Edwin (Judy) and Eddie (Dawn) Kivisto of Washington, and Eino Kivisto of California; and numerous beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elaine (Kivisto) Kennedy; and his brother, Eddie Kivisto.
Honoring Jim’s wishes, a private family celebration will be held at his favorite place on the Dead River.
Jim’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.
Jim was born July 3, 1945 in Ishpeming to Eino John and Ellen Marie (Hautamaki) Kivisto and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1963. He then earned a degree from Greer Technical Institute. Following his education, he served in the United States Army in Germany with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Artillery during the Vietnam War. Jim remained close with his fellow soldiers throughout the years, and they held an annual ‘3-2-1 Reunion’ which he enjoyed attending.
Following his service to his country, Jim was employed for Erickson Oil before he began his career with UPPCO at the Presque Isle Power Plant as an electrical technician. He retired from WE Energies in 2001.
Jim was a member of the Negaunee Elks and the Dead River Camper’s Association. Following retirement, he wintered in Texas where he was a member of the American Legion. Jim loved spending time at the Dead River Camp, pontooning, playing cards, dice games, and enjoyed joking around and making people laugh.
Surviving are his niece, Doni (Steve) Hernandez of Negaunee; five nephews: Lance (Heidi) Peterson of Ishpeming, Frank Sommers of Washington, Edwin (Judy) and Eddie (Dawn) Kivisto of Washington, and Eino Kivisto of California; and numerous beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elaine (Kivisto) Kennedy; and his brother, Eddie Kivisto.
Honoring Jim’s wishes, a private family celebration will be held at his favorite place on the Dead River.
Jim’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.