Paul Gordon Bietila
MILWAUKEE, WI. – Paul Gordon Bietila, age 66 (of 3964 S Kansas Ave, Milwaukee, WI. 53207) died March 8th in Milwaukee of a rare cancer. Paul grew up in Ishpeming and lived in Milwaukee since 1986. Paul was born December 2, 1948 to Ralph (Fuddo) Bietila and Patsy (Park) Bietila. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, class of 1967, attended Northern Michigan University but completed his undergraduate education at University of Maryland. Paul was a factory worker, then steelworker at Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore until the plant downsized. Paul then returned to college. He went to Graduate School at UW-Milwaukee and taught English composition there for many years. He received a Masters in Library Science and was Reference Librarian at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.
Paul is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan (Simensky) Bietila, his sons David (Mary Clare) Bietila of Chicago, Eric Bietila of Madison, Wisconsin and his granddaughter Twila Bietila. He was also survived by his mother Patsy Bietila, sister Karen Kakkuri and a niece & nephews, brother-in-law Alan Simensky and Aunt JoAnn Douglas.
He was preceded in death by his Father Ralph Bietila, sister Sandra Bietila and brother-in-law Robert Kakkuri.
Paul was an avid reader of science fiction, history and much more. He enjoyed film, wrote poetry and short stories. He loved the Northwoods. He enjoyed hiking, birdwatching, blueberry picking, gardening, and baking Finnish Oat Bread. Paul was an advocate for protection of the environment, workers rights, justice and was anti-war. He had a great love of learning with astounding recall, a love for wild places and a keen mind with an open heart. He was often quiet and reserved but what he shared was full of compassion and wisdom. He was a loving husband, nurturing father and grandfather and had a great sense of humor. He died much too young.