John Liimatta

John was born on Jan. 22, 1943 in Osceola to parents Roy and Lila (Lampela) Liimatta. John was baptized and confirmed in the Apostolic Lutheran Church.

John graduated from Calumet High School in 1961. He married the love of his life, Gloria Rossio, on April 29, 1967.

He worked as an electrician his whole life. Started training with John Wickstrom as a teenager. He attended Michigan Tech before accepting a job in Detroit in 1964. He spent his career working in the Detroit area for IBEW Local 58. He was blessed to work for Clyde Jones at Centerline Electric for several years, where he found not only a boss but a lifetime friend. He retired in 1998. 

John was always ready and willing to help everyone with anything. He volunteered at Habitat for Humanity both in Florida and the Copper Country after retiring. He was always busy volunteering around Ville de Marco complex, where they lived as snowbirds since 1995 and permanently in 2017.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, and volunteering. He was known for his storytelling, and he loved his grandkids. He enjoyed spending time with, teaching and helping them. He was so proud of them.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Roy and Lila; and several aunts and uncles.

John is survived by his wife, Gloria; children, Mary Ann (Douglas) Young and Mark Liimatta; grandchildren Rachel Clor, Emma (Douglas Baker) Clor, Robert (Maria) Clor, Luke Clor, Sarah Clor, Anthony Clor, and Cody Liimatta; six great grandchildren and one on the way; one brother, David (Adele) Liimatta; and one sister, Vicki (Clyde) Mikkola; as well as several nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and one aunt, Leona (Ken) Ryynanen.

A funeral service for John will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet, with Pastor David Taivalkoski officiating. Visitation will be held at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home from 12-1 p.m. Burial will take place in Lake View Cemetery following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any Habitat for Humanity in honor of John.

He will be missed by many.

Erickson-Crowley-Peterson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family can be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.