Eugene Gust Kaartunen

HURLEY, Wis. - Eugene Gust Kaartunen, 94, of Erwin Township, Ironwood, Mich., died peacefully Thursday evening, April 21, 2016, at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Nov. 6, 1921, in Erwin Township, Ironwood, son of the late Henry and Maria Josephine (Koski) Kaartunen.

He married the former Vienna Helen Warren on Dec. 8, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a truck driver and in the military police from July, 1942, until his honorable discharge in November 1945. He was stationed in Normandy, France, Central Europe and the United States, earning a Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European-American-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Silver Battle Star, Bronze Battle Star, three Overseas Service Bars, Service Stripe and Good Conduct Medal.

Eugene was employed by the Gogebic County Road Commission for 30 years as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 1983. He also worked in a local mine, at the Ironwood Trailer Factory, and as a mechanic at local garages. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood. He and Vienna enjoyed walking at the college, going to McDonald's, and the many friends they made there.

Survivng are his wife, Vienna, of 73 years; daughter, Darlene (Ronald) Keranen, Ironwood; two granddaughters, Christie Keranen, Ironwood, and Kellie (Jerry) Hitter, Kimball; three great-granddaughters, Taylor Hitter, Samantha Hitter and Piper Hitter; sister-in-law, Shirlee Lantta, Iron Belt; one niece, and four nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gene Alan, in infancy; two brothers, Clifford and Wilho; and two sisters, Hazel Hagstrom and Signe Choronzy.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 26, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, E5104 E. Margaret St., in Ironwood, with Pastor Kurt Brandon officiating.

Full military honors will be accorded at the church by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Committal and interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Upson.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.