Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Michael T. "Pack Sack" Ikola Sr., 78, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away Monday afternoon, Jan. 16, 2017, at his home.
Mike was born on April 29, 1938, in Wakefield, the son of Eino "Percy" Thomas and Elizabeth A. (Radowski) Ikola. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1956.
On July 9, 1956, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country aboard the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Midway. He was honorably discharged as an aviation ordnanceman third class on June 30, 1960. Mike was a life member of the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084.
On Nov. 16, 1963, Mike was united in marriage to Nancy R. Powell. Together they were blessed with nine children.
Mike went to work at Chicago and North Western Railroad. He retired in 1995 as a section foreman after 33 years of dedicated service.
Pack Sack was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved to be outside, hunting, trapping and fishing.
Mike will be remembered for his contagious smile, boisterous laugh, deep voice, hard work ethic and generosity. His children and grandchildren will continue to share his stories and be on the look out for aliens in Lake Superior.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy; seven children, Michele (Jeff) Harbison, Mary (Louie) Boetto, Missy (Bryan) Edmondson, Mindy (Stephen) Raymond, Marty (Leslie) Ikola, Melanie (Jon) Brewster and Meredith (Joe) Goodman; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; two sons, Mark and Michael Jr .; and a sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Raymond Supercynski.
In accordance with Mike's wishes, cremation has taken place.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Jan. 20, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.
Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.
A luncheon will be served at the church hall following the military service.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.
