Byron Tossava

Byron was born on Dec 22nd, 1942, in Ishpeming, to John and Margaret (Posey) Tossava and graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1961. On June 22nd, 1963, he married Margaret ‘Peggy’ Mitchell, in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, while serving in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, they returned to Negaunee to raise their family. Byron was employed by Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for over 30 years, retiring in 1998.

Byron was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee; the Negaunee Lions Club and the Negaunee All-Sports Booster Club. In his free time, he enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing and helping locals with snow removal in his Kubota. Byron loved playing cribbage and most of all, spending time at camp with his family and friends.

Byron is survived by his wife, Margaret ‘Peggy’, daughters: Kimberly (Robert) Manninen of Negaunee Township, Karey (Todd) LaJoye of Harvey, and Stacey (Brad) Bossert of Negaunee; his sons, Byron (Kori) Tossava of Ishpeming, and Dakota ‘Cody’ Tossava of Chicago; sister, Sandra (Steve) Smith of Plano, TX; brothers-in-law, Jack Liljestrom and Archie (Sally) Mitchell; and sisters-in-law, Marie Tossava and Colleen (Michael) Juidici. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents; beloved daughter, Robin Tossava; siblings: Dolores Liljestrom, Jacqueline Krachey, Margaret Winter, John Tossava, Cheryl Robare, Bernadine Johnson; and his mother and father-in-law, Margaret and Archibald Mitchell.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marquette County Medical Care Facility and Lake Superior Hospice for their kind and loving care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, on Monday, October 25th, at St. Paul Catholic Church, with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 12:00 noon at the church on Monday and also at a luncheon in the St. Paul Gymnasium immediately following services. Due to immunocompromised family members, everyone in attendance must wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund at 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855 and/or the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter, UP Office at 309 S. Front St. #233, Marquette, MI 49855.

Byron’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.