Albert M. Pesola

Dodgeville Albert M. Pesola, age 83, a resident of Dodgeville and former resident of Twin Lakes passed away on Thanksgiving night, November 24, 2011 at Houghton County Medical Care Facility where he was a resident for the past three months. Bert was born on May 2, 1928 to the late Arvo and Lydia (Moilanen) Pesola. He graduated from John A. Doelle School and Northern Michigan University, and served in the U.S. Army stationed in Japan. During his career, Bert owned and operated the IGA in Baraga, worked in lower Michigan as a machinist, and worked as a mechanic for White Pine Mine where he retired after 18 years. Bert was married to Florence Kohtala of Chassell by the late Reverend Paul Heideman and was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Atlantic Mine. Bert was known to be a great horseshoe player, an avid fisherman, and loved when his grandchildren challenged him to a game of Scrabble. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Walter, Aale, Arvo, Gordon, Raymond, Rosella Jalkanen, Maida Torro, Shirley Byykkonen, and Ruth Kemppainen. Surviving are his loving wife Florence, daughters Kaye (Louie) Garnell, Lois (Gordy) Sedar, and son Bill (Sandy) Pesola. Also, 14 grandchildren: Wayne (Jodi) Garnell, Brian (Holly) Garnell, Karen (Paul) Vessels, Kelly and Kristin Garnell; Danielle (Brian) Davis, Leanne (Jake) Neal, Ed, Mark, Jason, Alisa, and Heidi Sedar; Jamie (Darron) Olson and Jennifer Pesola. Nine great-grandchildren: Lillian Pesola, Nathan, Nicholas and Peyton Garnell, Brenden, Ben, and Brad Davis, Paloma Garnell, and Chaz Olson. Two sisters Helen Karsama and Esther (Gilbert) Juntunen, two brothers Arnold (Sylvia) Pesola and Kenny Pesola, two sisters-in law Sylvia and Helen Pesola and brother-in law Roy Byykkonen; as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 26 at 3:00 pm at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Houghton with Richard Eskola officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, at the church, from 1:00-3:00 pm. Burial will be in the Chassell Cemetery. To view Albert's obituary or to send condoelnces to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.