John Matt Akkala

John was born November 25, 1914 in Marquette, a son of John and Heidi Pyylampi, and was a lifelong Marquette area resident. His father died when John was two years old and he was later adopted by his step-father. John was educated in the Marquette public schools and graduated from the Graveraet High School in 1934. He then studied American Law and Procedure with the LaSalle Extension University. In 1938, he married Jean Lindblad Ragusett and they had one son, Gerald. Jean preceded John in death in 1976. In July of 1978, John married Mary Jane Maskus and she passed away in November 1996. John’s working career was varied and included working one winter in the checking department of Motor Products Corporation in Detroit and sailing four seasons as a radio operator on the Great Lakes. For 36 years, John was employed with Lake Shore, Incorporated in production management. He began employment as a clerk in the Stores Department, later general storekeeper, time keeper, and then production manager where he negotiated Lake Shore’s job evaluation program. He retired in January 1977. John was a licensed amateur radio operator since 1931, holding an Amateur Extra Class license with the station call letters W8AT. He also held a FCC commercial radio telegraph operators license with radio telephone first class endorsement. John had a lifelong interest in music beginning with playing the trumpet in his high school band.

In the summers he played with the Marquette City Band, and in the late1930’s was a member of the American Legion Clown Band. He also played in the Ahmed Shrine Band. Following his retirement in 1977, he taught himself to play the electronic organ and served for several years as organist for the Marquette Masonic Lodge.

John was an active member of the Marquette Masonic Lodge 101 F & AM since 1943 and his activities included serving as Worshipful Master (1953), serving on the DeMolay advisory board for Fellowship Chapter (1953/1966) and was a member of the Michigan Grand Lodge DeMolay advisory board from 1954 to 1962. He received the DeMolay Cross of Honor in 1959. John joined the Scottish Rite in 1943 and served as thrice Potent Master (1955/1958), secretary of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Marquette beginning in March 1968 to May 1989, and received the Scottish Rite 33rd Degree in 1960. He was Past High Priest of Marquette Chapter #43 RAM, a member of Grand Coucil of High Priesthood of Michigan, and past thrice Illustrious Master of Marquette Council #72. He was Past Commander of Lake Superior Commandery #30 Knights Templar, was Recorder of Lake Superior Commandery for five years, and received the Grand Commanders Service Award in September 1980. He was a member of York Ri te College #40, the St. Bonaventure Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, and a member of Michigan Priory #22, K.Y.C.H. Knights York Cross of Honour. John was also a member of Ahmed Shriners and director of the Ritualistic Team, and the K.I. Sawyer Square and Compass Club. John’s other affiliations included membership in the Society of Wireless Pioneers, Hiawatha Amateur Radio Association, Amateur Organists Association International, and ARRL (American Redio Relay League). John was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his son, Gerald (Sue) Akkala of Green Bay, WI; a brother, Waino Akkala of Georgetown, KY; and a nephew, William (Pat) Akkala of Big Bay.

In addition to his parents and wives, Jean and Mary Jane, John was preceded in death by a brother, Walter Akkala; sisters-in-law, Olive and Jane Akkala; and a niece, Julie King.

Friends may call at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 30, beginning at 11:00 am. A masonic service will be held at 12:30 pm and funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm Tuesday afternoon with Rev. David Van Kley officiating. A dessert reception will be held in the reception room located at the funeral home. Burial will be made in the Park Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Marquette Masonic Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to UP Home Health and Hospice, 1414 W. Fair Avenue, Suite 44, Marquette, MI 49855 or Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com