CHATHAM, Mich. - William (Bill) J. Piippo, 92, of Chatham, passed away early Monday morning, September 3, 2012 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
Bill was born on September 25, 1919 in Forest Lake, Michigan, a son of the late Jacob and Elina (Muurmaki) Piippo. During World War II, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army.
In his younger years, Bill worked as a logger and on the family farm in Chatham. He was also employed as a welder at Kimberly Clark for many years. After his retirement, Bill re-planted the farm with thousands of trees and also built three trout ponds on his land.
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William J. Piippo
Very proud of his Finnish heritage, Bill made multiple trips to Finland to reconnect with relations there.
He is survived by one sister, Elma Mellin of Munising; two children, William J. (Susan) Piippo, Jr. of Osseo, MI and Deborah (Fritz) Ameen of Applegate, OR; five grandchildren, Linda Bateman, Angela (Derek) Aberlich, Derek (Becky) Sandstrom, Ryan (April) Sandstrom, and Brad Sandstrom; six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Mary Piippo (Rant), and siblings, Bertha Carberry, Eino, Walter, Edward and Hugo Piippo.
A celebration of Bill's life will take place at a later date.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Mr. Piippo's memory.
His family would like to express its appreciation and fondness to the staff at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans for their love and care over the last 9 ? years.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com