Ronald Korpi

Ron was born on March 26, 1937 to the late Nestor and Martha (Santaholma) Korpi. Ron lived most of his life in Ishpeming. He served four years in the United States Navy where he made life long friends and made so many of the memories he shared.

In 1960, he married Naoma Laurila from Negaunee, Michigan and together they enjoyed 65 years raising their family and opening their door and pool to any and everyone. Their 4th of July parties were a favorite of many, where kids and adults alike took part in the many games held in the yard by the pool. They also had an open door for holidays at the Al Quaal lodge in Ishpeming so if anyone needed company, they had a place and people to celebrate with.

Ron was a member of the Elks Lodge, Lions Club, Riverside Club, Ishpeming cribbage and horseshoe leagues, and the Ishpeming Senior Center cribbage league.

Ron retired as an instrument repairman from Cleveland Cliffs Mining after more than 30 years. He and Naoma enjoyed traveling, wintering in Florida and Hawaii and spending quality time with their grandchildren and their grandchildren’s friends who were all very special to them. He was a dedicated gardener and he spent hours putzing in his wood shop working on projects. He enjoyed a good crossword puzzle, was a voracious reader and never stopped learning. He had a great love for the ocean and reveled in swimming at his favorite beach in Kihei.

Ron leaves behind his loving wife Naoma, a son, Donald (Pam) Korpi of Marquette, daughters Kathleen (Randy) Annala of Ishpeming, Nancy Caldwell of Lake Orion, Michigan, Molly (Grant) Kierzek of Kihei, Hawaii, grandchildren Tia (Dan) Norman, David (Stephanie) Korpi, Kate (Kirk) Hooper, Mary (Ken) Peterson, Matthew (Alyse) Annala, Mitchell (Hannah) Caldwell, Adam (Francesca) Caldwell, Luke Caldwell, Jacob (Kristen) Kierzek, Olivia Kierzek, Trevor (Whitney) Wickstrom, many great grandchildren, a sister Donna Korb of Fond du lac, Wisconsin, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Anita Laurila of Florence, Wisconsin, sister-in-law Cecelia Korpi of Ishpeming, his God daughter Cathy Moore, many nieces and nephews, and so many special friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers John (Marie), Irvin (Alice), Dennis and 3 sisters Ethel (Russel) Aho, Edith (Ed) Sandberg, and Jeanette (Bill) Dunstan.

Honoring Ron’s wishes, cremation will take place in Hawaii.