Kennth Lee ‘Bergy’ Liimatta
CEDAR BAY — Kenneth Lee “Bergy” Liimatta, 53, of Cedar Bay, passed away due to complications from recent heart surgery on Friday, June 4, 2021, at U.P. Health System- Marquette.
“Kenny” was born in Garden City, Michigan on May 18, 1968, to Carolyn “Buxy” nee Rowe, Barry and Kenneth E. Liimatta.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth E. Liimatta; his brother, Kerry Paul Liimatta; his maternal grandparents, Gertrude and Oakley Rowe; and his paternal grandparents, Bertha “Leinonen” and Edwin Liimatta.
He is survived by his mother, Carolyn “Buxy” (Jack) Barry of 5 Mile Point Road; and three brothers, Michael (Tammy) Harri of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, David Harri of Calumet and Jason Liimatta of Calumet; a niece, Amanda (Philip) Shedd of Vicksburg, Michigan; a nephew, Tyler Harri of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; step-brothers and sisters; aunts, uncles and numerous cousins; and special friends, Haroon and Joe.
Ken was a 1986 graduate of Calumet High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University in 1992.
He was employed for 27 years by Schneider National Trucking in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was a Board Member for Junior Achievement in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He coached youth hockey for a year in Marquette. He briefly taught a business class at Silver Lake College.
His family and friends were the most important to him. As he put it, “I’m living my dream” when he bought his home in Cedar Bay, where he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and his beloved dog, Moskey.
Among his interests were hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time out on Isle Royale. His philosophy in life was to leave things in better shape than you found it and to treat people the way that you would want to be treated.
He was formerly a member of National Lutheran Church in Calumet. In his younger years, he played Calumet youth hockey.
A memorial service will be held at the Calumet Colosseum Ballroom on June 19, 2021.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with the memorial service to follow with Pastor Jay Weidner to officiate.
In lieu of expressions of sympathy donations in Ken’s name can be made to Calumet Hockey Association, PO Box 385, Calumet, MI 49913 or the Omega House, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931.
Online condolences for the family may be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com. Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home of Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.