Michael A. Karjala

BELLEVILLE, Mich. — Michael A. Karjala, 60, passed away Friday, April 19, 2013, at Arbor Hospice Residence following a battle with A.L.S., of which he never complained.

He was born Nov. 23, 1952, the son of Arthur and Katherine (Benetti) Karjala in Ironwood. He was a 1971 graduate of St. Ambrose Catholic High School in Ironwood. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard for three years.

On Aug. 20, 1983, he married Marjorie Kauth in Ypsilanti. She survives. Mike was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 29 years, retiring in 2009. Mike loved to golf and enjoyed bowling, and was a huge fan and part owner of the Green Bay Packers. He loved his family and traveling with them around the country.

He is also survived by his mother, Katherine Karjala-Johnson; two sons, Isaac and Kevin Karjala; a brother, Arthur “Butch” Karjala; two sisters, Mary Kay Welch and Susan Auping; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur.

The funeral service will be at 12:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 23, at Holy Trinity Student Chapel, 511 W. Forest Ave., Ypsilanti. Cremation will follow.

The family received friends from 4-9 p.m. Monday at Stark Funeral Service where a Rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. They will also receive friends at 11:30 a.m. today until time of service at the church.

Please sign his guest book at starkfuneral.com.