Republic – Benjamin E. Suomi, age 79, of 689 Second St., Republic passed away on Sunday May 25, 2014 at his home in Republic. He was under the loving care of his family and the Lake Superior Hospice.

Ben was born May 29, 1934 in Republic the son of the late Victor and Edla (Kerkela) Suomi. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Ben returned to Republic following his service time and had worked for 38 years for the Marquette Co. Road Commission, retiring in 1994 as Foreman. Ben especially enjoyed trapping, along with hunting, fishing, woodworking (scroll work), going for rides in the woods, cutting firewood, and Sauna. He was known as "PaPa" by his family. He was a member of the Republic United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Arlene Suomi of Republic; 2 daughters Bonnie (Scott) Maki of Blissfield, MI; and Barbara (Daryl) Tammelin of Republic; a son Brian (Bonnie) Suomi of Dahlonega, GA; 7 grandchildren – Jennifer & Jason Roan, Brian Suomi, Gabrielle, Jacob & Jeremiah Payne, and Amanda Swartz; 5 great grandchildren – Michael, Taryn, Teagan, Landen and Abby. He was preceded in death by a son Ben Suomi in 1982; 2 brothers - Leo & Emil Suomi; 4 sisters – Elaine Mackey, Sylvia Mattson, Aileen Jasa and Helen Suomi.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at the Republic United Methodist Church with the Rev. Terri Branstrom to officiate. The family requests informal attire be worn.

Inurnment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

A coffee social period will follow the services in the church hall.