Ishpeming - Bernhardt "Gup" Aho enjoyed 87 years of happiness, faith, and love of family and friends. He entered eternal rest on June 6, 2010 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming, previously residing at 4455 Co. Rd. PD, National Mine.

Bernhardt Rudolph Harold Aho was born on June 2, 1923, in Ishpeming to Henry and Elizabeth (Taipaleenmaki) Aho and lived in National Mine for much of his life. He attended National Mine School and was a member of the basketball teams in 1940 & 1941 that won a district championship and placed 2nd in the U.P. Growing up with his Finnish parents, he learned to speak Finnish and often stated that in order to play basketball, he had to recite the Lutheran Catechism in Finnish before leaving the house. He took great pride in that! Along with basketball, he enjoyed playing fast pitch softball. His team, Holmgren Motors, won a state championship. Through the years, he was active in cribbage and horseshoe leagues. His enjoyment of cribbage continued into his later years, playing with family and friends often as well as "beating the devil" in solitaire cribbage every morning. He enjoyed watching baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals, and he was a great supporter and loyal fan for his grandchildren's athletic teams, the Negaunee Miners and the Westwood Patriots. "Gup" had a special place in his heart for animals. Even though he complained about not being able to sleep because of dogs leaning on him, he would never turn them away—he was very compassionate.

"Gup" was a hard worker and spent time employed by LS&I Railroad, Robbins Flooring Company, and as a union carpenter with Carpenter's Local #958. Throughout his employment, he met many people and developed long-lasting friendships. In addition, he served on the Tilden Township Board and the Faith Lutheran Church Council and Mutual Ministry committee. He was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church where he sat in the fourth row pew aisle seat every Sunday that he was able. His talents as a carpenter were put to good use on church projects and helping family with various building projects.

On June 30, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Magnuson. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage for 47 years until Ruth passed away in 1992. Survivors are a daughter, Carol (Victor) Cox, of Ishpeming and a son, Gene Aho, of Ishpeming; His grandchildren were his pride and joy and include Michael (Erin) Cox of Arvada, CO; Christine (Brandon) Saron of West Allis, WI; Cory Aho of South Eden, IL, and Cami (Josh) Van Abel of Farmington, MN. Great grandchildren are Gavin Aho, Kaley Aho, and Sofie Cox. In addition, he leaves a special sister-in-law, Bernice Korpi, of Ishpeming and brother-in-law, Fred (Teddy) Magnuson, of Ishpeming along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife and parents, preceding him in death were siblings Suoma Holappa, Hatti Johnson, Anna Baratono, Hilda Pelto, John (Fuzza) Aho, Henry (Whipper) Aho, and Oscar Aho.

Pallbearers are Cory Aho, Michael Cox, Josh Van Abel, Brandon Saron, Fred Magnuson, and Gary Denney.

Friends and family are invited to share the joy of Gup's life during visitation at Faith Lutheran Church, County Road 581 (180 Co. Rd. PPO), Ishpeming, on Tuesday, June 8, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, at Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Kenneth Lahners officiating. Friends may also call at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com