Oliver Edward Kainulainen, 89, formerly of Co. Rd. 480, Negaunee Township, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, April 24, 2020 at the Eastwood Nursing Center following a brief illness. He had resided there since August, 2016.
Oliver was born July 29, 1930 in Richmond Township to William and Hilda (Stenberg) Kainulainen and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1948. He married the love of his life, Helene (Seppala) on August 15, 1953 at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Hancock, and together they raised four boys.
Oliver worked as an automotive mechanic out of high school at several local garages. He continued his mechanic career at the Empire Mine, retiring in 1992 after 23 years of service.
Mr. Kainulainen was an active member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee.
Oliver was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He enjoyed watching softball, basketball and football, especially when his children and grandchildren were playing. He loved to travel, taking numerous trips with Helene. Oliver was an avid Negaunee Miners fan, rarely missing a football or basketball game, and often times traveling in adverse weather conditions to get there. People would often joke, “Oliver’s here, you can start the game!” He also loved to watch the Green Bay Packers. Oliver had an infectious smile and a great sense of humor, and always had a joke to tell and a hug to give.
Surviving are his loving wife of 66 years, Helene E. Kainulainen of Negaunee; four sons: Oliver (Sandy), Alan (Joellyn), Terry (Patti) Kainulainen all of Negaunee and Mike (Kim) Kainulainen of Ishpeming; six grandchildren: Ryan (Alexis), Adam (Amy), Amanda and Sara Kainulainen, Kylee (Phil) Leyerer and Brandon (Anna) Kainulainen; two great-grandchildren, Raelynn Kainulainen and Sophie Leyerer; four sisters-in-law: Mary Burgan, Alice Kolka, Margie (Bob) Andrews and Sandy (George) Kilpela; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Toivo, Urho, Paul, Eddie and Arvo; and a sister, Tyyne Mattila.
Oliver’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Wayne Carlson and to the staff at the Eastwood Nursing for their compassionate care, and also to Dr. LaBelle and Dr. Prevost for their care during Oliver’s short stay at the hospital.
Memorial services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, August 6th at Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church with Rev. Dan Hintsala officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Oliver’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com