Lee James Cummings

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Lee James Cummings, 57, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and close friends at his home on Thursday, April 11, 2024, after a long heroic battle with cancer.

Lee was born on Sept. 6, 1966, in Ironwood, the son of the late Ernest and Janice (Brace) Cummings. On April 23, 1988, he was united in marriage to Gina Pedrin at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ironwood Township.

Lee grew up in Hammond, Indiana, and graduated from high school in 1985. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. It was at this period in his life that Lee met the love of his life and wife of nearly 36 years.

Lee is survived by his wife, Gina; two daughters, Danyelle Cummings and Cassandra (Rick) Allen; six grandchildren, Devin Carlson, Ethyn Salmi, Vanea Salmi, Corbin Allen, Connor Allen and Callie Allen; and his mother-in-law, Roberta Pedrin.

Lee cherished his time with his grandchildren and loved watching them play sports. He wanted to share with them his knowledge and passion of football as Lee played throughout high school and was on the all-Marine Corps football team.

After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Lee was employed at the White Pine Copper Mine. When the mine closed, he began working in the trucking community. Cummings Trucking was a large part of his life from 2004-2014 and logging from 2014-2016. He was hired by Ottawa/Ruotsala Construction. Lee concluded his working career with TruNorth Trucking as fleet manager until the time of his passing.

Lee treasured his annual vacations with his daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren, and getaways, camping and motorcycle trips with his spouse. He also looked forward to motorcycle adventures with his son-in-law and close friend, Aaron.

The family would like to acknowledge those that made this difficult journey more bearable: Dr. James Rocco for always being there, Heather Nyman who always made time for us, and the Ruotsala/Boyd families for being a constant support, no matter the situation. A special thank you to his sister-in-law, Dianne Pedrin, for going above and beyond during this difficult time. There have been so many people who have displayed kindness and comfort to Lee and our family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9:30 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, E1898 Brace Road in Ironwood Township, with the Rev. Rick Williams officiating.

Following the service, full military rites will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard assisted by the Marine Corps funeral honors team.

A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the military honors.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.