Mathew T. ‘Matt’ Kivikko

Mathew was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on June 28, 1954, a son of the late Viola Edith (Sayring) and Toivo Kivikko. Matt graduated from Ishpeming High School and attended Northern Michigan University.

Matt worked as a Liner Repairman for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company where he worked for 30 years retiring from the Empire Mine.

Matt was a former Ishpeming Township Volunteer Fireman, was highly active with the B.P.O.E. Ishpeming Lodge #447 where he was currently a lodge Trustee, Past Exalter Ruler twice and Past District Deputy-Grand Exalted Ruler. Matt enjoyed his weekly “board meetings” at the UP-North Lodge with the guys. He will be missed by his canine companion, Sadie.

Matt is survived by cousins: Peter (Dawn Lambert) Sayring, Susan Hughes, Linda (Larry) Dillman, Paul (Amy) Makela, Bruce (Chris) Epper, ex-wife: Sharon (Steve Magh) Maki and former mother-in-law: Gwen Maki and sister-in -law: Diana Fisher and brother in law Chris Maki.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Toivo and Viola Kivikko.

A Celebration of Matt’s life with an ELKS Lodge Memorial Service will be held at a future date to be announce by the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home of Ishpeming.

Memorial considerations may be directed to the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge #447, 597 Lakeshore Dr. Ishpeming, MI 49849 in Memory of Matt.

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