Obituary for LESLIE N. HIETALA
Leslie N. Hietala, 94, formerly of Nicholas Ave., Palmer, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, January 28, 2021 at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living Facility under the care of his loving family and UP Home Health & Hospice.
Leslie was born November 15, 1926 in Palmer to Harvey and Ellen (Karjula) Hietala, graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of ’44 and was a lifelong area resident. Following high school, he served in the United States Navy during WWII, being honorably discharged in June, 1946. Following his service to his country, he continued his education between Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University. Leslie worked as a hoist engineer at the Tracy Mine, and was the maintenance supervisor at local nursing facilities, including the Palmer Nursing Home, Mather Nursing Home and Superior Shores in Munising. He married the late Grace (Quayle) Hietala in 1948 and together they raised their three children in Palmer.
Mr. Hietala was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, currently Community Lutheran Church, Palmer. He was also a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association as well as the NRA. In his spare time, Leslie loved being at the family camp on Pike Lake, hiking and fishing, cross country skiing, and was an accomplished carpenter and woodworker. Above all, he cherished time with family, especially his beloved grandchildren.
Surviving are his son, Allan (Suzanne) Hietala of Neenah, WI; two daughters, Gale (Dan) Wolff of Wausau, WI and Susan (Michael) Nelson of Negaunee Twp.; six grandchildren: Ryan and Nathan Hietala, Adam (Stevie Harris) and Carly (Ian Thomas) Nelson, Elizabeth (Kyle) Page and Lindsay (Josh) Rau; six great-grandchildren: Jared Nelson, Liam Bridges, Brooklyn Thomas, Braelyn Thomas, and Finley and Harper Page; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Grace in 2017; a brother, Edwin Hietala; and a sister, Laila (Henry) Poutanen.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Brookridge Heights, UP Home Health & Hospice and Dr. Michael Grossman for their loving and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 9:30-11:00 am on Saturday, August 21st at Koskey Funeral Home. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Negaunee Cemetery with Virginia Paulson officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed in Leslie’s memory to UP Home Health & Hospice or Community Lutheran Church.
Leslie’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com
Leslie was born November 15, 1926 in Palmer to Harvey and Ellen (Karjula) Hietala, graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of ’44 and was a lifelong area resident. Following high school, he served in the United States Navy during WWII, being honorably discharged in June, 1946. Following his service to his country, he continued his education between Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University. Leslie worked as a hoist engineer at the Tracy Mine, and was the maintenance supervisor at local nursing facilities, including the Palmer Nursing Home, Mather Nursing Home and Superior Shores in Munising. He married the late Grace (Quayle) Hietala in 1948 and together they raised their three children in Palmer.
Mr. Hietala was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, currently Community Lutheran Church, Palmer. He was also a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association as well as the NRA. In his spare time, Leslie loved being at the family camp on Pike Lake, hiking and fishing, cross country skiing, and was an accomplished carpenter and woodworker. Above all, he cherished time with family, especially his beloved grandchildren.
Surviving are his son, Allan (Suzanne) Hietala of Neenah, WI; two daughters, Gale (Dan) Wolff of Wausau, WI and Susan (Michael) Nelson of Negaunee Twp.; six grandchildren: Ryan and Nathan Hietala, Adam (Stevie Harris) and Carly (Ian Thomas) Nelson, Elizabeth (Kyle) Page and Lindsay (Josh) Rau; six great-grandchildren: Jared Nelson, Liam Bridges, Brooklyn Thomas, Braelyn Thomas, and Finley and Harper Page; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Grace in 2017; a brother, Edwin Hietala; and a sister, Laila (Henry) Poutanen.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Brookridge Heights, UP Home Health & Hospice and Dr. Michael Grossman for their loving and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 9:30-11:00 am on Saturday, August 21st at Koskey Funeral Home. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Negaunee Cemetery with Virginia Paulson officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed in Leslie’s memory to UP Home Health & Hospice or Community Lutheran Church.
Leslie’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com