Arne E. Nasi

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Arne E. Nasi, 88, of Ironwood, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, June 28, 2017, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

He was born April 3, 1929, in Montreal, Wis., son of Einar and Josephine (Pelajesta) Nasi, attended Montreal Grade School and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley, Wis., in 1947. He worked on ore boats on the Great Lakes, in the Montreal Mine for 10 years until the mine closed and as foreman at White Pine Copper Co. for 10 years. He then was employed as a mine inspector for the Federal Bureau of Mines, having served as supervisor for the State of Ohio and as a member of the government mine rescue team, retiring in 1994.

Arne possessed excellent handyman and carpentry skills and could build, remodel and repair anything. He built his own home in Montreal in 1953. He also enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, downhill and water skiing, and, together with his brothers, formed the Flying Finns Water Ski Show. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and following them in all of their activities. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

People were drawn to Arne's gentle spirit and the twinkle in his blue eyes. He was our "trailmaster."

On Dec. 3, 1947, he was married to the former Donna M. Compton in Bessemer.

Surviving are his wife, Donna, of 69 years; son, Wayne (Bridgette) Nasi; grandson, Todd (Tess) Nasi; great-grandchildren, Luke Niemi, Vanessa, Hannah, Chayce and Ayden; granddaughter, Erin (Ron Jr.) Huotari, granddaughter, Jessica (Justin) Graham; great-granddaughter, Kate and Juliana; daughter, Audrey (Don) Teed; grandsons, Don and Derek; daughter, Kathy Levra; grandsons, Daulton and Mitchell; daughter, Lona (Rick) Vita; granddaughter, Kristin, and great-grandson, Drew; grandson, Anthony, and great-granddaughter, Autumn; a brother, George (Verna) Nasi; sister, Ella Stein; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Nasi and Beverly Nasi; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Arne was predeceased by brothers, Ero, Howard, Donald, Nilo and Elmer; and nephews, Phil Stein, Brian Nasi, Ron Nasi and Glenn Nasi.

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

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 1, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., in Ironwood, with Pastor Kurt Kovanen officiating.

Committal and inurnment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley.

Luncheon will be served at the Iron Nugget in downtown Hurley upon return from the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Regional Hospice, 216 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.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility, Regional Hospice and numerous caregivers for the wonderful care given to Arne over the past five years.