Milton Autio

Milton was born in Elo, Michigan, on Jan. 10, 1935, the only child of Eva (Ollila) and Peter Autio Jr. 

Milton wished to be remembered as a husband, father, teacher, coach, artist, and athlete. 

Milton spent his childhood in Elo and attended Doelle High School, graduating in 1952, where he was a baseball and basketball standout and class president. He attended Michigan Technological University on a Board of Control scholarship, but left to serve in the U.S. Army.

He was stationed as a courier in Dachau, Germany, for much of his two-year term of service. He ran track for the 8th Army team while he was there.

In 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Nysti. Milton then attended Suomi College, where he played basketball and in 1957, led the team to a historic win over Northern Michigan University. He graduated from Suomi College with an associate’s degree and went on to Northern Michigan University to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After college, Milton Autio taught and was a basketball coach at Jeffers High School while residing in Painesdale. He was the player-manager of the Twilight League champion Tapiola teams and led the league in batting until a career-ending baseball accident in 1963 that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.

In 1970, he and Barbara purchased The Range Variety Store, which they operated until its closing in 1984. As part of his rehabilitation, Milton took up oil painting under the mentorship of the Carters in Chassell. Milton’s paintings were sold in the store and can be found all around the world to this day.

Milton remained an athlete, and in 1988, competed in Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota. He completed the marathon in what was the hottest on record.

Milton continued to walk when he could no longer run, and South Range residents saw him out walking in all kinds of weather with his beloved dogs, first Bourbon, Montana, and then, Oliver. Milton had an encore career as his wife’s caretaker until Barbara died in 2014.

He was proud to be the first one in his family to finish college. With the aid of audiobooks, he continued to read even after his accident and remained a lifelong student of history. He was a charter member of the Copper Range Historical Society and a former member of Grace Lutheran Church, both in South Range.

Milton also loved to fish and hunt. Milton was the consummate sports fan. He loved to watch sports (any and all sports) and kept up with his children’s and grandchildren’s sport activities. Most of all, he loved the Detroit Tigers.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years, Barbara; and two children, Kim Denise and David Karl.

Surviving are his remaining children, Peter (Cindy) Autio, Alan Autio, Dawn Autio (Thomas Weaver), and Susan Autio; as well as his grandchildren, Travis Autio, Martti and Maija Weaver, Justin, Seth and Tony Autio, Katie Sullivan and Kyle Autio; and two great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the staff at UP Health System — Portage hospital and Canal View for the care Milton received during his stay.

Honoring Milton’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. However, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. If you would like to send a memorial gift in Milton’s memory, a donation to the Copper Range Historical Society or The Library of Michigan Foundation would be appropriate.

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

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family.