Stanley C. Rajala

Born December 24, 1933, in Pelkie, to John and Anna (Usitalo) Rajala, Stanley attended Pelkie Elementary School and Barage High School, graduating in 1951. Following graduation, he worked for the Michigan Highway Department until 1953.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving from 1953 to 1955.

In 1955, Stanley married Anne Miron at St. Ann’s Church in Baraga. They were married 44 years, raising a family of eight children. Anne died November, 1999.

Stanley began his college career at Michigan Tech University in 1956, graduating with a degree in mechanical enginering in 1960.

Stanley started his career with Upper Peninsula Power Company in 1960, transferring several times between their offices in Houghton, and the Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette. The family resided in South Range from 1964 until 1972, when he transferred to the Presque Isle Power Plant for the remainder of his career as plant superintendent/manager until retirement in 1993.

Stanley was deeply loved by so many, all of whom appreciated his quiet strength and subtle humor. Stan was fortunate to marry the former Pearl Miron in 2008, at St. Christopher’s Parish in Marquette, adding a loving wife and five additional children (families) and much happiness to his life.

Stanley enjoyed his camp in Ralph year round for family gatherings, deer hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. It is a place that certainly benefited from Stan’s ability and enjoyment of improving, fixing or building anything. He was able to participate in the U.P. Honor Flight with his son, Steve, in May 2016. He felt honored to have had this opportunity and enjoyed sharing those memories.

Stanley is survived by wife, Pearl Rajala, his children, Steven (Julie) Rajala, Neil Rajala, Scott (Krissy) Rajala, David (Kathi Soli) Rajala, Lori (Jim) Pelkola, Barb (Russ) Nelson, Diane (Rajala) Stacey, Patty (Rajala) Hillier, Laurel (Doug) Hill, Mark (Sue) Miron, Vern (Christy) Miron, Barry (LeAnne) Miron, Christopher (Barb) Miron.

Stanley was loved deeply by his grandchildren, Michelle (Josh Perri) Rajala, Angela (Adam) Sleeman, Gavin (Maureen) O’Meara, Chad Dropik, Hannah (Bryan) VanDuinen, Arthur (Meg Darrow) Rajala, Adam, Kevin and Kelli Rajala, Traci (Dan) Zini, Sarah (Jeremy) Lambert, Phil (Brianna) Pennell, Aaron and Tim Kalbfleisch, Derek (Lexy) DeDamos, Doug (Steffani) Baker, Katie (Stephen) Jessup, Christopher (Kelly) Nelson, Jacob and Cassie Nelson, Eric and Janel Stacey, Megan Hillier, Kelly, Jessica (Max) and Sarah Steele, Chad (Miriam) Mitchell, Miranda and Gaylen Miron, Ariel (Matt) Jaenig, Jennifer (Jessie) Gaspardo, Stefanie (Bobby) Holly, Rebecca (Russel Moran) Miron, Nathan Miron, Benjamin and Emily Miron, Andrew and Danielle Miron. He is also survived by 18 great grandchildren, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Stanley was preceeded in death by his parents, John and Anna Rajala; his wife, Anne Rajala; sister, Gladys Duffill, stepdaugher, Claire Miron; and grandson, Christopher Rajala.

Our family would like to express sincere appreciation to the the staff of UPHS, UP Home Health, Hospice and Private Duty and the Trillium House for their outstanding care of Stanley.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Stan’s memory to the Trilliium House. Friends may call at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Monday February 9, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in the church on Monday at 12 p.m. with Rev. Greg Heikkala officiating.

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.