Rudolph “Rudy” Keranen

He was born on November 2, 1931, in Onnela, Michigan, a son of the late Arthur and Ida (Kyllonen) Keranen. He attended the Onnela School and after his family moved to Elo, attended the John A. Doelle School.

On March 1, 1952, he was married to the former Jean J. Dahlman at Our Saviour’s Church in Elo.

Rudy farmed most of his life, operating the family farm with his wife and children. He won several farm awards and in 2000, was inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame. He also served as a board member on various farm organization boards.

Rudy was a member of Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie, the Ottawa Sportsman’s Club, the Otter Lake Sportsman’s Club and the Doelle Senior Citizens.

Surviving are his wife, Jean, of Elo; two sons and three daughters, Brenda (Dennis) Almli of Baraga, Susan (Daryl) Maki of Alston, Brian “Buddy” (Kerrie) Keranen of Elo, Valerie (Victor) Forest of Sebring, Florida, Greg (Abi) Keranen of Elo; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters, Gloria (Jack) Bellack of Midina, New York, Ruth (Dick) Genke of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Bertha Karsama of Elo, and Margaret (Ted) Blom of White Pine; numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Rudy was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Ravi, Helen Johnson and Lillian Karsama.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2014, in the Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie, with Pastor John Autio to officiate.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the church and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday in the church.

Burial will be in the Elo Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.