Maxwell Lee Huhta

KING, Wis. - Local musician Max Lee passed away at 76. Maxwell Lee Huhta, long-time resident of Ironwood, Mich., passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Wisconsin Veterans Home in King

He was born Nov. 23, 1940, in Duluth, Minn., the son of the late Wesley and Mae (Herrala) Huhta.

Max graduated from Superior East High School in Superior with the Class of 1959. Max enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 16, 1966, and served in Vietnam until July 6, 1968. On Oct. 26, 1968, he married Kathleen E. Kangas at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood. She preceded him in death on Dec. 7, 2016.

Max was employed at Mattson's TV and Appliance, Bentley Furniture and Floors n' More in Ironwood. He was a well-known musician in the area and had a gift of playing the guitar. Max enjoyed playing and traveling with the Opry. He had the honor of playing with some of the best, Dave Dudley, Sonny James, Buck Owen, Roger Miller, Willie Nelson and The Coasters. He played with various bands for over 30 years, and played at Petrusha's Supper Club for 12 years.

In his younger years, Max enjoyed his time with his children. He loved going fishing with his son, and swimming and playing with his daughters. He truly enjoyed being a grandpa to this grandchildren, Colton, Grace and Amanda Rose. He spent the last years of his life side-by-side his wife, Kathleen, of 48 years, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. He was a gentle, patient, and loving man and he and his music will be greatly missed.

Max is survived by his son, Mark (Maxine) Huhta, of South Pasadena, Fla .; his two daughters, Melissa (Brian) Zurawski, of Stevens Point, Wis., and Carol (Jason) Woelbing, of Redwood Valley, Calif .; his grandchildren, Amanda Rose Zurawski, and Colton and Grace Woelbing; and sister-in-law and pal, Susie Kangas, of Plover.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Mike (Max's twin) and John Huhta; his sister, Donna, and her husband, Dick Ruby; two nieces, Jamie and Shelley Huhta; and his nephew, Steve Ruby.

A memorial service for Max and Kathy will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood, with Pastor Kurt Kovanen officiating. Max and Kathleen's family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Full military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard of Ironwood.

A luncheon and gathering of family and friends will follow the service from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at The Iron Nugget in Hurley.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements.