Norman L. Ahola

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Norman L. Ahola, 85, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 27, 2018.

Norman was born on Dec. 11, 1932, in Wakefield, a son of Hannah (Mustapaa) and John Ahola Sr. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1951.

Norman proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant on Dec. 7, 1954, and received the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Ribbon.

On Dec. 3, 1955, Norman was united in marriage to the former Margaret H. "Marge" Nicholson, by the Rev. S.V. Autere, at the home of his parents. They celebrated more than 62 wonderful years of marriage.

Norman worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation for 32 years, and retired in June 1984. After his retirement from MDOT, he worked for Lindburgh Construction, Coleman Engineering and the Gogebic County.

Norman then went into business for himself, owning and operating with his wife the Sunset View Resort on beautiful Lake Gogebic for 11 years. They returned to Wakefield and built their new home by Sunday Lake.

Norman was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, where he served on the church council and property committee. He was a lifetime member of the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084.

Norman is survived by four daughters, Georgana Lake (Phil) and Deborah Ahola (Rick), both of Wakefield, Betty (Alan) Huschka, Dresser, Wis., and Marja (Terry) Orlich, Marquette; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and several dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Marge, on Feb. 16, 2018; an infant daughter, Nanette Kathryn, on Sept. 4, 1961; three brothers, Adolph, John Jr., and Jack; and four sisters, Betty Lusa, Amy Spencer, Marion Maki and Syma Gudegast.

The family is honoring Norman's life in a private memorial service.

A committal service with military rites will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, in the spring.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Norman's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968.

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.