Roger R. Hytinen

Roger was born in Negaunee, MI on March 22, 1950, son of the late Elizabeth (Sillonpaa) and Raymond “Pinky” Hytinen. At age 19 Roger began his service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged on July 7, 1971.

He worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 30+ years, retiring in 1999. Briefly in 1987 he took a leave from Cliffs to work for Phillips Kilns and became an expert in lining kilns. While at Cliffs he worked mainly as a repairman including stints at the Ore Improvement Plant, Empire, on the roving crew and retired from the Tilden Mine.

Rog loved to tinker with old cars, rebuilding many of them only to sell them and move on to new “old car”. In his younger years he loved to race in the stock division at area tracks such as Norway, Sands and Escanaba and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He was a member of the Superior Street Rod Car Club, and a former member of the Greenwood American Legion and Ishpeming VFW. Rog also had a passion for woodworking and made many treasures for family and friends. He was an accomplished Ski-Jumper. He spent many hours honing his skills as an archer and made his own arrows. Had operated a Ham Radio in his home. Spending time in his woodshop or garage were favorites of his, along with trips to the Casino or just simply getting some scratch-off tickets. Rog enjoyed hunting and fishing. Following his retirement, he was a self-taught computer tech. But most importantly he thought the world of his grandchildren and they were the biggest part of his life in recent years.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria J. Hytinen of Ishpeming, daughter, Kelli (Jerry) Snell of Ripley, TN; son, Jim (Angie) Hytinen, of Ishpeming; 3 grandchildren – Anna and Emily Hytinen & Rhody Snell; two sisters, Karen (Jack) Harvala and Jodi Branham both of Ishpeming, along with several nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeri Lynn Weaver and brother Gary Hytinen.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 4 – 6 PM on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 6:00PM with Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the U. P. Honor Guard at the conclusion the service. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the Bethel Lutheran Church Hall.

Roger’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.