Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
IRONWOOD, Mich. — Wilbert E. “Wibby” Haanpaa, 92, of Wakefield, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, in Ironwood on his 92nd birthday.
He was born Aug. 12, 1922, in Ironwood, son of the late Erick and Fannie (Rajala) Haanpaa. He had resided in Ironwood Township for most of his life.
On Oct. 4, 1947, he was united in marriage with Julia I. Haapala in Ironwood Township. She preceded him in death on March 15, 2012.
Wilbert had been employed at area mines, retiring from White Pine Copper Company.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He was an avid bowler and horseshoe player. He loved to fish and have family get-togethers.
Wilbert is survived by one son, Daniel, Green River, Wyo .; one daughter, Barbara (Thomas) Radzwilowicz, Watersmeet; three brothers, Jerry, Reno, Nev., Jim and Royce, both of California; two sisters, Bertha Saari, Wakefield and Marjorie Lozano, Bessemer; five grandchildren, Ricky (Kathy) Haanpaa, Tanya (Rick) Carter, Tara (Lee) Smith, Jason (Kassie) Radzwilowicz and Aaron (Jessica) Radzwilowicz; four great-grandchildren, Troy, Amber, Bradley and Damion ,; and numerous nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Haanpaa; four brothers, Ron, Don, Ken, and Arnold Haanpaa; and one sister, Edna Brown.
Cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley. There will be no formal service. Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home in Ironwood.
