Eli Isotalo

GREENLAND, Mich. - Eli Isotalo, 91 of Greenland, died peacefully on July 4, 2020. He was born in Greenland on March 24, 1929, to Henry and Lempi (Raivio) Isotalo.

Eli graduated from Mass High School as class president in 1948. A proud veteran, he served his country in the Korean Conflict as a sergeant of the 73rd Combat Engineers from 1951-1953.

On Jan. 30, 1954, Eli married Mary Lou Bessen of Ontonagon. They raised their five children in Greenland. Eli was an active member of VFW Post 4167, Adventure Mountain Sports Man's Club, St. Paul Lutheran Church, and the Fraternal Order Of Eagles in South Range.

Eli was employed with White Pine Copper Mine for 26 years as an electrician and mine foreman. He later retired after 11 years from the Ontonagon Paper Mill.

After Mary Lou's death in 1998, he found companionship with Dorothy Kero. Together they traveled and didn't miss a dance within a 50-mile radius. After Dorothy's death, he found similar companionship with Joanie Maierle.

Among his many talents, he could play virtually any instrument by ear, notably the saxophone. Widely respected, he was considered by many a fine man. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lempi; brother, Lauri; sisters, Lillian, Aili, Irene, Taimie and Femmie; wife, Mary Lou; Dorothy and Joanie; in-laws, Arthur and Esther Bessen; and brother-in-law, Glen Bessen.

He is survived and will forever be missed by his children, Julie (David) Lowe, of Wayland, Dan of Milwaukee, Cindy (Pete Walters) Lynn, and Chuck (Brenda Masucci) of Greenland; grandchildren, Chelsea (Stephanie) Lowe, Nicholas (Jennifer) Isotalo, Josh Isotalo and Khara Isotalo; three great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bob Bessen of Mims, Florida; and numerous friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place Friday, July 10, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland at 1 p.m. Military Rites will be preformed by the Ontonagon County Veteran's Association.

The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family. Those who wish may view Eli's obituary and leave condolences at canefuneralhome.com.