Paul W. Koljonen Sr, age 88, a resident of Laurium passed away on October 5th, 2016 at UP Health System-Marquette following a short illness.
He was born on June 12, 1928 in Mohawk, a son of the late Albert and Minnie (Lampi) Koljonen. Paul attended the local schools, graduating from Calumet High School with the Class of 1946. On March 3, 1951, he married Hermaine R. Williams in Calumet.
Paul’s working years were spent as a banker, having attended banking school at the University of Michigan from 2 years, and working for the Merchants and Miners bank, and then First of America Bank, retiring as Senior Vice President in 1984, after 34 years in business.
He was active in the local community, serving in the National Guard 107th Engineers after high school, serving on the C-L-K Board of Education from 1965-1972 and over 30 years on the C-L-K Scholarship Committee. He was a past president of the Calumet-Laurium Rotary Club, a life member of the Copper Country Chamber of Commerce, and an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church of the Keweenaw.
Paul also loved music, playing trumpet in local bands. His favorite music was of the big band era. He also enjoyed woodworking as a hobby and is well known for the unique wooden clocks that he made.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Hermaine of 54 years, and his brother; Roy.
Paul is survived by:
his son Paul “Skip” Koljonen Jr. of Laurium
His sister Eva Komula of Mohawk
And several grandchildren, great grandchildren, a nephew, and a few cousins.
Funeral services for Paul will be held on Monday October 10, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Mohawk with Pastor Tim Johnston to officiate. Friends may call at the Bethany Lutheran Church on Monday October 10, 2016 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Burial will take place in the Lake View Cemetery.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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