Raymond Knuuttila

Dollar Bay Raymond Walter Joseph Knuuttila, 80, a resident of Dollar Bay passed away with his family by his side early Tuesday morning August 23, 2011, at his home following a short illness. He was born on April 6, 1931, in Hancock a son of the late Jacob and Fannie (Finni) Knuuttila. Ray was raised on the Houghton Canal and attended the Redridge School and was a graduate of the Houghton High School with the class of 1949. Ray had worked for the White Pine Copper Mines retiring after 33 years of service. Ray enjoyed spending time with people telling stories, and being a jokester, he was a master of all trades always willing to help. He enjoyed gardening Roses and even baking prune tarts. His door was always open to all especially for saunas on Wednesday and Saturday nights. He was an avid outdoorsman hunting, fishing and followed the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions and any team that the Green Bay Packers played. In 1992 he was united in marriage to Janet Johnson and she preceded him in death in 2001. Also preceding him in death were his daughter Kathyrn, his grandson Daniel Paul Rheault II, his fiancé Ellie Pulda, and the mother of his children Laila Knuuttila. Surviving are: His children: Faye Harris of Sycamore, IL Bob (Jill) Knuuttila of Cottage Grove, MN Rick (Laura) Knuuttila of Cortland, IL Mike (Terri) Knuuttila of Dollar Bay, MI Patty (Dan) Rheault of Bootjack, MI Bill (Lori) Knuuttila of Neenah, WI His brothers: Reynold (Jeanne) Knuuttila of Negaunee, MI Robert (Lois) Knuuttila of Houghton Canal His sisters: Ruth Salo of Hancock Rachel Heikkinen of South Lyon, MI Rose (Dave) Hillstrom of Traprock Valley Regina (Dave) Juntti of Big Traverse Bay, MI 18 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren Several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends especially Terri Coello, Ragu Engman and his "Old Wild Bag" Funeral services for Ray will be held 6 pm Saturday August 27, 2011, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock. A private family burial will be in the Oskar Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call on Saturday August 27, 2011 from 2 pm until time of services at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock. Ray touched many people in the 80 years of life and will be missed by many but never forgotten. We Love you Poppa. To view Ray's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements.