April 1, 2015 Lac La Belle
Roy A. Koljonen Sr., 95, a resident of Lac La Belle passed away at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility on Wednesday April 1, 2015, where he was a patient for the last three years.
He was born on January 20, 1920 in Mohawk a son of the late Albert and Minnie (Lampi) Koljonen. On July of 1931 at age 11 Roy survived a fall down the Eagle River Falls, he was taken from Eagle River to the Mohawk Hospital by a Model T ambulance. He also had the distinction of being one of the last persons to ride on the Keweenaw Central Railway from Mohawk to Lac La Belle on a family outing in the early 1920's.
He graduated as Salutatorian from Calumet High School with the class of 1937. He was also a member of the Calumet orchestra, playing violin.
Roy was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army. He was a M/Sgt. with the 34th division, 34th Signal Company during WWII. He served in 5 campaigns and earned 5 battle stars and a Bronze Star for his service in North Africa and Italy. He also survived a U Boat attack on his convoy in the North Atlantic en-route to North Ireland.
On Jun 15, 1946 he was married to Ruth Ann Oja in Detroit. She preceded him in death on December 31, 1991. In his younger years Roy worked for the White House Inn in Mohawk and also for Haas Beer Distributing. For his career Roy worked in Detroit for Michigan Bell for 41 years as a Telecommunications Supervisor retiring in 1981.
Roy was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church of Mohawk, the American Legion Post #230 of Mohawk where he also had served as Post Commander, Telephone Pioneers of America, and the Independent Order of Foresters.
Roy was also very fond of the outdoors. He especially enjoyed boating trips to Isle Royale, speckle trout fishing and deer hunting with family and friends in Keweenaw County.
Preceding him in death was his wife, daughter Dianne, and grandsons Michael and Joshua.
Surviving are sons Roy "Bud" (Barb) Koljonen Jr. of Lac La Belle and Barry "Bucky" (Liisa) Koljonen also of Lac La Belle, Grandchildren Kelly, Matthew, Katie, Eric, Julie and Barry, eleven great-grandchildren, sister Eva Komula of Mohawk, brother Paul Koljonen of Laurium and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday April 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM in
Bethany Lutheran Church in Mohawk with Pastor Tim Johnston to officiate. Copper Country Veterans Association will conduct military honors at the church.
Visitation will be held on Monday April 6, 2015 from 4-8 PM in the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet and one hour prior to the funeral at the church.
Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery in the spring.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
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