William Ardean “Art” Lahtela

Ardean was born on June 1, 1936, son of the late Lydia Josephine (Seppanen) and Werner William Lahtela, and grew up in Republic, MI. In the summertime, as a teenager, he traveled with his family, going out west to Wyoming, working with his father and brother in logging camps. He and his brother Al helped their father build the family camp in Republic. He was a graduate of Republic High School, Class of 1954.

Art served his country in the United States Army from 1960 until 1962 and was stationed in Korea as an Inter-speed Radio Operator. He worked for Kimberly Clark Company as a logger and surveyor, sailed the Great Lakes working on an iron ore freighter, then started his career as an electrician with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, where he worked for 41 years until his retirement.

He married Judith Elizabeth Oja on October 9, 1959. Together they built their home and raised their daughters in Humboldt. They shared nearly 62 years of marriage together until Judy’s passing in September of 2021.

Art liked being out in the woods in all seasons; hunting, fishing, trapping, cutting firewood, and making trails. He scouted for Christmas trees, good fishing spots, the best berry patches, and big bucks. He often took the family for a ride to enjoy the colored leaves, explore rugged 2-rut roads, or drive through huge drifts of snow during storms. Favorite pastimes included camping, boating, beaching, traveling, family sing-a-longs, and visiting friends and relatives for coffee and sauna.

Ardean loved Judy, they both loved their family, and they took joy in their grandchildren. They were intentional about spending meaningful times with them in work, play, events, and gathering together as often as possible. Grandpa Ardean will be remembered as a quiet, gentle, patient, and easy-going man. He could be counted on to lend a helping hand, fix anything but a broken heart, and to enjoy a good chuckle in everyday life.

Ardean is survived by two daughters, Sara (Edward) Lakanen, Susan (Kurt) Beyer; six grandchildren, Jared (fiancée Samantha Williams) Lakanen, Daniel (Vanessa) Lakanen, Josie (Dakota) Winkler, Jenna (Ryan) Dooley, Lydia (James) Merline, and Max (fiancée Madison Johnson) Beyer; sister-in-law, Sarah Williams; a brother-in-law, Ken (Theresa) Oja; nephews, Jeff Halonen, Mark (Barb) Monett, and Clint (Kathy) Monett; along with many other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy; siblings, Dorothy Halonen-Cox, Della Monett, and Albert Lahtela; parents-in-law, William and Inga Oja; brothers-in-law, Gordon

Halonen, Wally Monett, Jerry Oja, Richard Oja, Harry Williams, and Chas Prusi; sisters-in-law, Helen Lahtela, Shirley Monett, Margaret Oja, Charlotte Oja, and Virginia Prusi; nephews, Brent Monett and Matthew Lahtela; and niece, Kari Lahtela.

Ardean’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church on Friday May 1, 2026, from 10:00am EST until 11:00am EST. His funeral service will start at 11:00am EST, with Mr. Jordan Langness officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the United States Army. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Burial will take place in the Humboldt Township Cemetery.

Ardean’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

The family extends their gratitude to all the staff at Brookridge Heights and UP Home Health and Hospice. Your kindness, loving care, and support will be remembered.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

His obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.