MICHIGAMME - Leonard A. Rautio, age 97, of Michigamme, passed away at 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, December 27th, 2008 at Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming Twp. where he had been a resident for the past 20 years.
Leonard was born in Republic, Michigan on December 5, 1911, the son of the late John and Hilda (Peterson) Rautio, and was a lifelong area resident. He worked first at the Blueberry Mine until its closure and then in the woods as a lumberjack for several area loggers. In his latter years Leonard cut firewood for several area families. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in L'Anse. Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing, and picking blueberries along with throwing horseshoes. In his younger years he played baseball with the team from Republic.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fern Rautio of Michigamme; four daughters, Betty (John) Robinson of Ishpeming, JoAnn (William) Prisk of Champion, Fern (Reynor) Johnson of Greenwood Loc., and Karen LaPin of Negaunee; two sons, Robert Rautio of Odessa, TX and Arthur (Cheryl) Rautio of Michigamme; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a son-in-law Nathan LaPin, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Leonard, and infant son, Robert, a granddaughter, JoAnn Prisk, a great-grandson, Eric Leif Erickson, along with four sisters and two brothers.
Cremation will take place with a Memorial Service to be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.
Leonard's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.