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Raymond Elmer Jolgren

PELKIE – Raymond Elmer Jolgren, 99, of Pelkie, died on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at home, three days short of his 100th birthday.

He was born on December 17, 1916, in Hancock, a son of Emil and Hilda (Lexson) Jolgren of Pelkie.

Raymond moved to Detroit as a young man and worked at Ford Motor Company until 1941, when he was called into service during World War II.

He served in the United States Army from April 21, 1941, to October 2, 1945, in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippians. Upon his discharge from the army he returned to work at Ford in Detroit.

There he met and married Lillian V. Autio and in June of 1951, they moved to Pelkie and farmed until retirement. He was also a substitute rural mail carrier for many years. Lillian preceded him in death on January 11, 2015.

He belonged to the Alston V.F.W. and was a past member of the Farm Bureau.

He loved to drive and go for rides, often down dead-end roads. There weren’t many roads he hadn’t explored. Every Sunday was spent on rides and / or picnics. Conversation and coffee were always available at the farm.

Raymond is survived by two children, Jean (Patrick) Kamarainen of Ironwood and Dennis R. Jolgren of Pelkie; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Aaron Nunberg) Kamarainen, Amy (Nicholas Preston) Kamarainen, Steven (Laura) Kamarainen, Michael Jolgren, Keny Renee Jolgren and Alex Jolgren; three great-grandchildren, Theo and Walter Nunberg and Cate Kamarainen; sister, Alice Juntunen of Baraga; brother, Leland Jolgren of Brighton; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents; and his wife, Lillian, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lillian Maliniemi; and four brothers, Hubert, Wilbert, Roy and William Jolgren.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at the Pelkie cemetery. The date and time will be announced by the Jacobson Funeral Home.

Friends may sign Raymond’s guest book or send condolences at jacobsonfuneralhome.com.