Paul Keskimaki
BIG TRAVERSE BAY — Paul Keskimaki, 68, a resident of Big Traverse Bay and former Chassell resident passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021, at his home following a short illness.
He was born on February 5, 1953, in Marquette, a son of the late Arnold and Helen (Maki) Keskimaki. Paul was raised in Chatham and was a graduate of the Eben High School with the class of 1971. He then attended Northern Michigan University.
On October 8, 1983, he was united in marriage to the former Susan Pietila.
Paul had been employed by UPS for over 30 years. During that time the couple had resided in Marquette, Kingsford, Houghton, and Chassell. Mr. Keskimaki retired in 2002 after being the business manager for the Houghton hub for UPS.
In 2015, they decided to move to the family cottage in Big Traverse to make it their year-round home.
Mr. Keskimaki was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brother Mike; nephew, Darin Keskimaki; his father in law, Art Pietila; his brother in law, Gary and sister-in-law and Pam Pietila. Surviving are wife, Susan Keskimaki of Big Traverse; children, Amy (Dan) Rautiola of Negaunee, Sara (Lars) Hyrkas of Traprock Valley, Beth Keskimaki of Marquette, Maria (Tom) Parks of Negaunee, Jennie (Steve) Koivisto of Cokato, Minnesota, Eric (Kelly) Keskimaki of Lake Linden, Jill Keskimaki of Kiel, Wisconsin, Lisa (Will) Hyrkas of Mohawk, Samuel Keskimaki of Big Traverse; grandchildren, Janelle, Avery, Tyler, Kelsey, Kiira, Brooke, Mason, Lila, Theodore, Jack, Carly, Caroline, Paul, Eleanor, Rowan, Adelyn and Niko; brother, Alan (Kathy) Keskimaki of Capac; mother-in-law, Ruth Pietila; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeffrey (Tamara) Pietila of Chassell; Roger (Ginny) Pietila of Howell; Connie (John) Hendrickson of Cokato, Minnesota; Keith Pietila of Byron, Richard (Christine) Pietila of Howell, Barbara (Dave) Pennala of Howell, Karen (Lowell) Skoog of Menahga, Minnesota, Kenneth (Liz) Pietila of Howell, Janet (Allen) Tolkkinen of Howell, Kevin (Jenny) Pietila of Menahga, Minnesota, Ronald (Leslie) Pietila of Howell, Kurt (Michele) Pietila of Howell, Mark (Rebecca) Pietila of Howell, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service for Paul will be held at 11 am Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton with David Taivalkoski to officiate. Burial will be in the Atlantic Mine Cemetery.
Friends may call on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton and on Wednesday from 10 am until the time of services at the church.
To view Paul’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit memorialchapel.net.