Lyle Johnson

WAUSAU, Wis. - Lyle Johnson, 79, of Ironwood Township, Mich., died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, April 27, 2016, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, with his family by his side.

He was born July 15, 1936, on Slade Road in Ironwood Township, son of the late Anders and Ruth (Reippenen) Johnson. In his youth, Lyle was very active in 4-H and was the first king of the winter 4-H carnival at Mount Zion. Earlier in life he enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing and all sports activities.

Lyle retired from the Steamfitters Union in 1998. He had been a member since 1957, when he began an apprenticeship in Local 806 of Ironwood. He then became a member of Pipefitters Union Local 506 of Escanaba, Mich., and later Local 111. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

Lyle enjoyed his work and made many friends as he traveled around the country to different construction jobs. He was 806 until the end.

He was married to Marlene J. Rantanen on Nov. 16, 1957, at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood by the Rev. Dean Gevik. Marlene preceded him in death on Nov. 27, 2012, after 55 years of marriage.

Surviving are a daughter, Trixine (Mike) Tahtinen, Oostburg; two sons, Jeffrey (Robin), Washburn, and Kevin (Jodie), Ironwood Township; five grandchildren, Betsy (Arthur Jones) Tahtinen, LaGrange Park, Ill., Stephanie Tahtinen, Stevens Point, Dana (John) Welch, Chicago, Christopher Johnson, Ashland, and Ethan Johnson, Ironwood Township; a sister, Shirley (David) Bordinat, Okemos, Mich .; sister-in-law, Beverly Chiantello, Milwaukee; and nephews, Brian Chiantello, Colgate, and Michael (Debbie) Chiantello, Delafield.

Besides his parents and wife, Lyle was predeceased by an infant grandson, Ryan Johnson, in December 1984; and brother-in-law, Marvin Rantanen.

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

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with Pastor Kurt Kovanen officiating.

Committal and inurnment alongside his beloved wife Marlene of 55 years will follow in Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Salem Lutheran Church, 333 E. Aurora St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.