Kenneth Andrew Hemmila

NEGAUNEE, MI-Kenneth Andrew ‘Ken’ Hemmila, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 74. Born April 19, 1951, in Negaunee, Michigan, Ken was the son of Arvid and Irene (Hintsala) Hemmila.

A proud graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1969, Ken briefly attended Northern Michigan University from 1969 to 1970. Ever practical and hard-working, Ken once said, ‘I’ve been a working man all my life. School is not for me. I couldn’t stand classrooms anymore.’

In 1971, Ken was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a clarinetist and saxophonist (alto, tenor, and baritone) in the 98th Army Band at Fort Rucker, Alabama. His time in the Army band remained one of the most cherished periods of his life. Ken often credited the Negaunee City Band-where he began playing as an 8th grader-with keeping him from being assigned a rifle during his military service. He played with the Negaunee City Band for over 50 years, only stepping away in 2013 due to arthritis and declining eyesight.

Ken dedicated his working years to Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. as a plant repairman and retired from there in 2009.

A true son of the Upper Peninsula, Ken had a deep love for its forests, lakes, and wildlife. He found joy in fishing, hunting, crafting custom fishing rods, tending to his garden, and watching deer at camp. His life was one of quiet passion ä for music, nature, and family.

Ken was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Kay (Siik) Hemmila; his sister, Gloria Jean Hemmila; and his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy (Takkinen) Hemmila; daughters Erin (Brent) Plisch and Jill (Kevin) Eliceiri; stepdaughter Amy (Kurt) Gronvall; stepson Aaron (Mindi) Carlson; grandchildren Gunnar, Anja, and Wynston; step-grandchildren Tanner, Whitney, Macy, and NJ; siblings Andrea Viar, Sheila (Mike) Briggs, Holly (Bob) Nykanen, and Rich (Bonnie) Hemmila; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

In accordance with Ken’s wishes, no services will be held. A small gathering for family and friends will be arranged at a later date to honor his life and memory. Ken’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.