Republic- Earl Melvin "Poppy" Arola, age 88 of 250 Pine St. Republic passed away Friday, October 31, 2014 at UP Health System Bell in Ishpeming.

Earl was born December 25, 1925 in Republic to Earl H. & Imbie (Alatalo) Arola. Earl served his country in the U.S. Army with the 387th Infantry Reg- 97th infantry Division during World War II. He received many decoration including the Purple Heart.

Melvin was a local business man for many years operating Arola Bottling Works, which was one of the first 7-Up franchises. He served as a member of the Republic Board of Education for nine years. Melvin was a member of the Grant Nyman V.F.W. Post in Republic, former Lions club member and a member of the Republic United Methodist Church.

Melvin is survived by 3 daughters: Connie (Dennis) Valenti of Republic, Toni (Jim) Carey of Channing and Wanda (Dave) Holsworth of Republic, 8 grandchildren: Nicole (Brian) Cherovsky, Cory (Audrey) Valenti, Ryan (Kylie) Carey, Lindsay Carey, Erin Carey, Amber (Todd) Brancheau, Wade (Casey) Holsworth and Courtney Holsworth, great grandchildren: Carver & Finley Carey, Morgan & Preston Cherovsky, Beau Valenti, Olivia & Isaac Brancheau and Evelyn Holsworth, along with nieces and nephews. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Alice and a sister Miriam Kujanin.

Funeral services for Melvin will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 a the Republic United Methodist Church with Rev. Terri Brandstrom officiating. Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.

Melvin's family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday at the Republic United Methodist Church from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am.

Pallbearers will be Melvin's grandchildren.

Military honors will be accorded by the members of Grand Nyman V.F.W. Post 5014

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .