Elmer Robert Haukkala

ASHLAND, Wis. - Elmer Robert Haukkala, 81, a long-time resident of Ashland, passed away peacefully Friday evening, July 28, 2017.

Elmer was born on April 10, 1936, in Wakefield, Mich., a son of Charles John and Senja Sofia (Ekola) Haukkala. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1954.

After graduation, Elmer proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1958.

After an honorable discharge, he attended and graduated from Northern Michigan University.

Elmer taught auto mechanics at Stambaugh High School, NMU's vocational program, Ojibway Job Corps and Ashland High School. He retired in 1993.

On Sept. 7, 1979, Elmer was united in marriage to Carol Ann Banovetz at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Ashland.

His favorite pastime was attending polka dances, and he was a member of the Happy Dancers. Elmer enjoyed domestic and foreign travel.

Elmer is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; a brother, Eero (Rose), Ironwood, Mich .; two sisters-in-law, JoAnn Harvey, Ramsay, Mich., and Ida May George, Winchendon, Mass .; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Eino and June; a sister and brother-in-law, Eila and Benjamin Pusakulich; two nephews, Ben Pusakulich Sr. and Richard Pusakulich; and his brother-in-law, Raymond Harvey Jr.

In accordance with Elmer's wishes, cremation will take place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Aug. 4, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Following the service, military rites will be accorded at the church under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A luncheon will follow the military salute at the church fellowship hall.

A committal service and inurnment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, Mich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elmer's name to All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968, or to Regional Hospice Services, Inc., 1913 Beaser Ave., Ashland, WI 54806.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.