William M. Lohela

He was born in Hancock on Aug. 1, 1933, the son of the late Ephraim and Aileen (Lescelius) Lohela. Bill was a graduate of Hancock High School, class of 1951.

Upon graduation, he worked locally until joining the US Air Force in January 1954. Following basic training, he attended radio school and was assigned to the Northeast Air Command at St. Johns, Newfoundland, until honorably discharged.

After military service, Bill attended Suomi College and Northern Michigan University. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and a former member of Runeberg Lodge #8 in Dollar Bay. He enjoyed the outdoors, brook trout fishing, and photography.

Bill was employed by the Copper Range Company, by Calumet & Hecla Inc at the Research Department in Calumet, and by the US Forest Service Engineering Laboratory in Houghton until his retirement.

Bill married the former Nancy Makela Koski in September 1984 at Las Vegas, Nevada, and they enjoyed 27 happy years together. They first made their home in Dollar Bay and then at their lakeside cottage on the Hancock Canal. Both enjoyed traveling around the states, Canada, and to Scandinavia.

Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by brothers Henry and Carl, wife Nancy, sisters-in-law Linda (Henry Lohela) and Marilyn (Carl Lohela), and brother-in-law Robert Makela.

Surviving are: sister-in-law Barbara (Robert) Makela of Ft. Meyers, FL, nieces Sandra (Tom) Collins, Roxanne Lohela, Heidi (Dan) Lohela De Forge, and Anne (John) Childs, and nephew Matt Lohela, plus several cousins as well as special neighbors Norm and Barb Kendall of Hancock Canal.

Bill was a beloved uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, and friend who will be greatly missed. He brought great joy to his family and took a genuine interest in each member, young and old. His sharp mind led him to many interests, and he remained physically active, even to the shoveling of all his own snow, up to the end of his life.

A memorial service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Brahm Semmler-Smith to officiate. Spring burial will take place in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock.

Friends may call on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, from 10 am until time of services at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be given to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock, Omega House of Houghton or the charity of one’s choice.

To view Bill’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.