Eugene 'Elky' Syrjala Sr.

PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Eugene J. Syrjala Sr., 92, passed away at home in Port Richey on March 2, 2016.

He was born in Wakefield, Mich. He was the remaining son of the late Isaac and Hilda Syrjala family.

A long time resident of Ramsay, Mich., Eugene attended the Ramsay School and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1946. He married the former Sylvia Mark, also of Ramsay, at the parsonage of First Lutheran Church in Wakefield, Mich., with the late Rev. Samuel Autere officiating.

After working at the Ramsay Mine until its closure and numerous years as a semi truck driver, he enrolled at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Mich., and graduated in 1961 with an Associate of Arts degree and subsequently graduating from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. He received a Master of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1966.

He taught in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for 22 years.

Eugene was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church (the former First Lutheran Church) where he was confirmed. He was also a Life Member of the American Legion Post 0400 of Florida, a Life Member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, and an active member of the Finnish American Club of New Port Richey.

Eugene played hardball for the Ramsay town team in his early years and was an enthusiastic bowler until his recent illness. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling.

His cottage on Lake Gogebic was his passion. After purchasing the land in 1973, he worked summers developing it with the help of his brothers Maurie and Elmer. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and he enjoyed visitors.

Preceding Eugene in death were a daughter in infancy; his parents; three brothers, Maurie and his wife Frances, Elmer and his wife Miriam, and Allan; a nephew Richard Syrjala in 1980; and a niece, Melissa Re, on Jan. 8, 2015.

Survivors include his wife, Sylvia, of Port Richey; a son, Eugene Jr., of Rochester, Minn .; two granddaughters, Lori Syrjala of Rochester and Lisa Brown and her husband Chad of Georgia; three great-grandchildren, Sierra, Ellie and Casper, all of Georgia; and two sisters-in-law, Carmen Syrjala and Phyllis Mark Betzig.

Eugene was Grampie to his granddaughters and great-grandchildren, Uncle Elky to numerous nieces and nephews and young friends, always interested in their activities and careers.

Proud of his Finnish heritage, he is survived by numerous cousins and their families in Finland.

Eugene leaves behind his fishing buddy, Maurie Duncan and his wife Shirley, of Grand Rapids, and David Meyers, of Port Richey, who has been an incredible friend during his time of need.

Memorials may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society

Funeral services will be held May 14, at All Saints Lutheran Church, in Wakefield. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. and the service will begin at 11. with Pastor Bill Jacobson officiating.

“Those we love never truly leave us.”