Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Roy E. Bekkala

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Roy E. Bekkala, age 76, of 201 West Gogebic Street, Ironwood, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, in Wakefield. He was born February 1, 1939, in Wolverine, son of the late Raymond and Lydia (Solonen) Bekkala.

On June 15, 1959, Roy was united in marriage with Paulette Jarvela in Calumet. They had resided in Wakefield for over 30 years, moving to Ironwood 18 years ago.

Roy had been employed in the smelter at White Pine Copper Co.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette; three sons, Donald (Chris) of Negaunee, Richard of Iron River, and Ronald (Angela) of Dover, N.H .; two daughters, Kathleen (Bert Canalia) Grenfell of Ironwood and Laura (Paul Canalia) Waterhouse of Hurley, Wis .; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one brother, Arthur Bekkala of Seattle; two sisters, Lucille (Paul) Puuri of White Pine and Lenore (Donald) Carlson of Brighton; and several nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Roland; and one sister-in-law, Mary Lou Bekkala.

A private family service was held on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home in Ironwood. Pastor Thomas Rouse of the Lighthouse Faith Center officiated.

Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home in Ironwood.