LeRoy A. 'Heikki' Heikkila

ASHLAND, Wis. - LeRoy A. "Heikki" Heikkila, 83, of Kimball, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 15, 2016, at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, with his loving family by his side.

He was born May 13, 1933, in Kimball, son of the late Reino and Tyyne (Myllykangas) Heikkila, and attended J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley. He worked for local loggers as a mechanic and truck driver, worked in the Cary Mine until its closing, and was employed as an underground diesel mechanic at White Pine Copper Co. until the mine closed. He then worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator for the town of Kimball for many years, retiring in 1995.

LeRoy was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood, Mich. He enjoyed camping and fishing at Lake Gogebic and was proud of the fact that he built the home that he and his family lived in. He also took great pride in keeping Kimball roads open in winter and maintaining them in summer. He was a wonderful neighbor and will be truly missed.

On May 3, 1952, he was united in marriage to the former Darlene "Dolly" Carr at First Lutheran Church in Wakefield, Mich., by the late Rev. Samuel Autere.

Surviving are his wife, Dolly, of 64 years; two daughters, Judith (Michael) Peterson, Milwaukee, and LeeAnn Heikkila, Kimball; three grandchildren, April Peterson, Hurley, Melissa (Kevin) Koehler, Milwaukee, and Nicolle Heikkila (Juho Vehniainen), Helsinki, Finland; four great-grandchildren, Nathan Olkonen, Ironwood, and Natalee Gulczynski, Katelyn Peterson and Theron Peterson, all of Milwaukee; a sister, Ruth Ann (George) Vallone, Oma; sister-in-law, Virginia Heikkila, Globe, Ariz .; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, LeRoy was predeceased by a grandson, Michael Theron Peterson Jr .; stepfather, Arvo Matt Hill; brother, William Albert Heikkila; sister, Ellen Saari; brother-in-law, Urho Saari; sister-in-law, Victoria "Honey" Ritmiller; and best partner, his dog Teetoo.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., in Ironwood, with Pastor Kay Richter officiating.

A reception with light refreshments will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Private interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Pallbearers will be Don and Scott Lonsway, Darrell and Jason Saari, Gordy Brunello and Tony Furyk.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

A special thank you to our special nieces and nephew, Darrell and Kim Saari, Diane Lonsway and Cheryl Cunico, for keeping our driveway clean all winter and taking Roy to his medical appointments. Also, special thanks to Avanti Home Health Care, Laurie, Dyan, Courtney and Donna, for their excellent care and the ER staff and doctors at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland for their outstanding compassion.