Oliver A. Kanipes

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Oliver A. Kanipes, 98, of Ironwood, died unexpectedly Sunday, May 10, 2015.

He lived with honesty and integrity his entire life and passed peacefully at home after a wonderful day at Langford Lake with family having crappie fry (at his request), enjoying the lakefront, and after returning home, laid down to read his favorite paper and fell asleep forever.

Oliver was born March 30, 1917, son of the late Albert P. and Viola (Auclair) Kanipes, attended grade school in Ironwood, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1937.

He entered the U.S. Army on Aug. 19, 1942, proudly serving his country in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations during World War II, and was honorably discharged on Dec. 28, 1945.

Following his discharge, he returned to Ironwood and operated a taxi service and worked for a year as a plumber for Harold Garvey. He then was employed as a truck driver for Moland Brothers and Glendenning Trucking for 30 years, retiring in 1977.

Oliver was a life member of Ironwood American Legion Post 5 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Michigan post. He enjoyed playing basketball in his younger years and was an avid "Packer Backer," but most important to him was his family.

He was married to the former Irene Lichaczewski on Jan. 31, 1949. Together, they enjoyed 66 loving years of marriage.

Surviving are his loving wife, Irene; three sons, Albert (Michelle), Watersmeet Township; Chester, Ironwood, and David (Shelley), White Bear Lake, Minn .; a daughter, Karen Kanipes, Minneapolis; eight grandchildren, Lea (Tony), McKenzie, Jenny, Dan (Leslie), Casey, Courtney, Kyle and Kory; and five great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Morgan, Nicholas, Elijah and Damien.

Besides his parents, Oliver was predeceased by a sister, Cecil Perlberg.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Friday, May 15, 2015, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood, with Pastor Todd Winkler officiating.

Luncheon will follow at the Iron Nugget in downtown Hurley, Wis.

Oliver's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.