Elmer Andrew Komula

ONTONAGON, Mich. - Elmer Andew Komula, 96, of Ontonagon, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at home, surrounded by his wife and children.

Elmer was born on Nov. 30, 1919, in Ontonagon on the Komula farm to Jacob and Hilja Komula. He married Shirley Roehm on Sept. 25, 1954, in Ontonagon. Elmer completed the eighth grade at the Beck School in Ontonagon and began working to help support his family. He worked in the logging industry, was a heavy equipment operator, plumber, carpenter and was a foreman for the village of Ontonagon for 25 years, prior to his retirement in 1982. He was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy on the USS Billy Mitchell.

Elmer was an avid fisherman and hunter, who was named in the Michigan Big Game Records Book three times. He loved the outdoors, planting his garden, driving his Ford tractor and his four-wheeler and spending time out at camp. He will be remembered for his quick wit, great sense of humor and his story-telling. He was extremely proud of his Finnish heritage (and nickname of the Firesteel Finn) and to have served his country. He made friends with whoever he met and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a member of Whitetails Unlimited and the American Legion Nonesuch Post 462 of White Pine.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Gary (Linda) Komula; daughter, Sheri (Dennis) Remington; one sister, Elsie Saari; granddaughter, Tina (Josh) Merrier; grandson, Troy (fiancee Jill) Carlson; great-granddaughters, Brayley and Reegan Merrier; stepgrandchildren, Jeff (Tina) Remington, Melissa (Conor) Green and Chris (Becky) Remington; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Hilja; brother, Henry; and sisters, Katherine, Mae, Lydia, Elma and Velma.

Visitation will be on Saturday, June 11, at the Cane Funeral Home, from 1 to 3 p.m. Funeral services will follow with Pastor Brad Putnam, of the Reedemer Free Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at the Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Cane Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Gary Komula, Troy Carlson, Dennis Remington, Todd Roehm, Don Scott and Ken Radovich.

The family wishes to thank Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital and Aspirus Hospice Care for the kind, thoughtful, compassionate and gentle care Elmer received during his final journey home to the Lord.