Richard John Aho

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Richard John Aho, 76, a longtime resident of Ironwood Township, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, Aug. 22, 2020, at his residence, surrounded by loved ones.

Richard was born on Jan. 17, 1944, in Ironwood, a son of John Toivo and Mary Josephine (Waldros) Aho. He attended Roosevelt School through the 9th grade, and Rich graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1962.

Following graduation, he moved to Chicago and worked as a machinist at Onsrud Machine Works.

On April 7, 1965, Rich was drafted into the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country as a radio mechanic for communications in Swienfurt, Germany. Rich was honorably discharged as a sergeant on March 20, 1967, and received the National Defense Service Medal.

On June 19, 1971, Rich was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda "Lyn" Lorraine Miller, at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Wheeling, Illinois.

Rich had a long and distinguished career. He was employed as a salesman at Cory Corporation from 1967 to 1972. Rich worked as an insurance agent with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for a period of time and then went into business for himself as a general insurance agent. He retired in 2009 and was blessed with many incredible friendships.

Rich was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood, a supporting member for 27 years at the Saxon, Wisconsin American Legion Post 371, where he played taps at countless military ceremonies, and an active member of the Aurora Athletic Club and served on the board of directors.

Rich was a leader in the community. He was president of the Gogebic County Horseshoe League for more than 20 years. He had fun playing horseshoes from 1978 to 2019, and was a recipient of many first place wins. He was president of an underhand dart ball league for 20 years. Rich participated in the Wolverine Nordic Ski Club from 1984 to 1995, was a ski jump coach and president for 14 years. He was a coach of the Junior Olympics in 1990, and a level 2 coach in the United States Ski Association. Rich was involved with Copper Peak and served on the board of directors.

His hobbies included photography, carving, drawing, fishing, hunting, golf and cutting his own firewood until 2019. He loved being on beautiful Lake Superior on his own boat and enjoyed camping at Little Girl's Point.  

Rich is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Lyn; two devoted children, Dori (Paul) Mattson, Ironwood, and Steve (Missy) Aho, Menasha, Wisconsin; five cherished grandchildren, Corissa and Bo Mattson and Lineah, Parker and Zechariah Aho; and a sister, Delores Holappa, Bessemer.

Also surviving are James Aho, Kenosha, Wisconsin; Kathy (Paul) Niemi, Ironwood; his mother-in-law, Vivian Miller, of Iowa; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father's second wife, Eleanor Beason; four brothers, Kenneth, Marvin, Donald and Gerald; and his friend and father-in-law, "Curly" Miller.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Steve Hyvonen officiating.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face masks are required and please practice safe social distancing.

A committal service and interment will take place at Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Mercier-Kero American Legion Post 371 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

After the cemetery service, a luncheon will be served at the Airport Park Pavilion, E5560 Airport Road, in Ironwood.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Rich's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to Trinity Lutheran Church, 5120 E. Margaret St., Ironwood, MI 49938 or Regional Hospice Services, 216 E. Aurora St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

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.