Carl W. Lehto

BRUCE CROSSING, Mich. - Carl W. Lehto, 82, a longtime resident of Bruce Crossing, passed away Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.

Carl was born on April 16, 1939, in Bruce Crossing, a son of Wilho Leonard and Hilma Suzanna (Maki) Lehto. He attended Ewen High School and graduated in 1957.

During high school and for a short time after graduating, Carl worked at the creamery in Bruce Crossing. He then moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, and in March 1961, married Norma Oja. Carl worked at MacWhytes wire rope factory. After seven years, Carl and his family moved back to the Upper Peninsula homestead, and he worked at White Pine Copper Mine as a survey technician until his retirement in 1993. Carl worked at numerous part-time jobs after his retirement.

Carl spent most of his life on the family homestead and really loved living there, following retirement he built ponds near his house and enjoyed the walks around the ponds with his loyal dogs, Carmel and Eve. The plentiful wildlife they encountered was a favorite topic. Carl was a good guitar player and a very good singer and liked to entertain with his close friends and family. Carl was a good family man and would do anything for his children even if they didn't deserve it all of the time.

He was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman and loyal Packer fan.

Carl is survived by his former wife and friend, Norma Miller, Ontonagon; a sister, Irene Williams, Detroit; three children, Kelly Niemi (Will), Billings, Montana, and Karin Andrus (Bill) and Brad Lehto, both of Bruce Crossing; seven grandchildren, Karlie Leischner, Katie Hemming, Kassandra Niemi, Tyler Fleming, Wade Fleming, Justin Andrus and Tracy Bakke; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Jackie Lehto.

In the spring, a graveside service for family and close friends will be held at the Hillside Cemetery in Bruce Crossing. Carl's final resting place will be next to his parents.

In lieu of monetary gifts, donations can be sent to OCAP (Ontonagon County Animal Protection), 19504 M-38, Ontonagon, MI 49953, or Our Saviour Lutheran Church of Paynesville, Box 286, Ewen, MI 49925.

To view Carl's obituary online and express condolences, visit lakesidememorialchapel.com.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements.