Matt Junior Rahko

ERWIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Matt Junior Rahko, 85, of Erwin Township, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2019, at his home.

Matt was born on May 8, 1933, to Matt and Lempi (Siirila) Rahko. He was a 1951 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood. After his graduation he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army.

On Sept. 29, 1956, he married Carole Bardon in Ironwood, and they enjoyed 62 years together in the house they built.

He was employed as a truck driver and mechanic for many years, working at Iron Wood Products as well as various other jobs in the trucking industry. Matt was a hard worker; and if you needed a hand, he was there to help. He loved stock car racing and did everything from driving stock car, building stock cars and working on stock cars. He loved sports and especially enjoyed Tigers baseball, Packers football, NASCAR and hunting. He also liked snowmobiling, bowling and even went ski jumping in his younger days. 

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Carole; children, Michael (Amy) Rahko of Erwin, and Melissa Rappley of Menomonie, Wis .; grandchildren, Ashley (Joe Ryder) Rahko, Matthew Rahko, Skylyr Rappley, Justin Orlich and Stephanie Orlich; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Braydon, Brooklyn, Carter, Alora, Zoey and Zylis; sister, Polly Ann Hiipakka; sisters-in-law, Linda Rahko and Shirley McCauley; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Timothy Rappley; and two brothers, Gary and Willie Rahko.

In accordance with Matt's wishes, private services have been held.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family. To express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to say thank you to the first responders who were at the home to help and for those who have shown support through their thoughtful words and deeds.