Waino F. Akkala

Waino was born December 24th, 1918, in an apartment on West Bluff Street in Marquette, a son of Matt Feelis and Heidi Marie (Joensuu) Akkala, both emigrants of Finland. He was raised on East College Avenue and graduated from Graveraet High School in the Class of 1938. Following graduation, Waino was employed with Lakeshore, Inc., as a machinist. On May 6th, 1943, he answered his country’s call to serve in the US Navy. While serving during World War II as a machinist with the Navy Seabees, Waino received the American Theatre of Operations and Asiatic Pacific Theatre of Operations (4 stars) campaign citations, along with the Philippine Liberation (2 stars) campaign citation. He saw service in the battles of Leyte, Luzon, and in the Marshall Islands. Upon his honorable discharge in November 1945,

Waino returned to Marquette to be reunited with his wife Olive and young daughter Julie. He resumed employment as a machinist with Lakeshore, Inc., where he worked with earnest dedication until his retirement in 1983. Upon his retirement, he relocated to his farm in Big Bay, where he devotedly restored a classic Ford Model A automobile to prime condition.

In his leisure time, Waino was a talented woodworker, who enjoyed carpentry and taking a little time off for fishing. Good natured and amicable, he also occasionally played his guitar for the enjoyment of friends and family.

Waino was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Big Bay and the Negaunee VFW.

Waino is survived by son, William Akkala; five grandchildren, Julia, Lonnie, Steven, Jacqueline and Jo Anna; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by wives, Olive and Jane; his daughter, Julie Bartels; and brothers, John and Walter.

Funeral services will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church in Big Bay on Saturday, June 18th. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, until the time of service at 11:00 am. Pastor Sudi Layraman will officiate. Interment with veteran’s honors will be made in the Powell Township Cemetery.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.