Olaf A. ‘Ollie’ Linna

He was born July 11, 1924 to Nels and Elsa (Kallio) Linna at the family farm on Morrison Creek Road in Iron River, Michigan. He attended Lincoln School knowing only Finnish but he quickly learned English, eventually graduating from Iron River High School in 1942. When electricity became available in the area, Ollie learned to work with it and wired the family farm while still working at home. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and, following his honorable discharge, returned to Iron River. He worked at the Soo Hardware store for several years. He also was employed for a brief stint in the local iron mines before deciding that learning the refrigeration trade had more potential. On June 12, 1954, Ollie married Doris Jane “Dolly” Lakso in Amasa and together the couple made their first home on Iron Lake Road in Iron River, where their children were born. Ollie began working at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Civil Engineering as a Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Technician. The family lived in Rock for three years before settling in Skandia. Ollie was an avid gardener. He and Doris enjoyed the outdoors in their “pop-up” camper. But most of all he enjoyed spending time at home, spoiling his dogs and making wood.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his wife, Doris in 2013, following nearly 60 years of marriage.

He is survived by his son, Larry and his wife, Beth of Skandia and their two children, Hans and Elsa Linna both of Marquette. He is also survived by his daughter, Lori and her husband, Richard Cooke of Skandia.

Ollie’s family would like to express their appreciation for the love and compassion shown by the staff of the Norlite Nursing Center. They provided Ollie with a safe, caring environment for his last year of life, going well above and beyond what was expected of them.

Friends may call at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Sunday, December 9, beginning at 12:00 noon until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Paul Kelto will officiate. Interment will be made in the West Branch Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com