MICHIGAMME – Edwin Melvin "Puff" Bentti, age 78, of 113 N. Brook St. (P.O. Box 66) Michigamme died peacefully at his home under the care of Lake Superior Hospice at 6:22 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2009 . He gallantly battled cancer for three years.

Ed was born on October 10th, 1931, to Helmi Marie (Koskela) and Edward Matt Bentti. Edwin had two sisters and four brothers: Elmer, Ethel, Edna, Emil, Ron, and Robert. He graduated as salutatorian from Michigamme High School in 1949. Ed enjoyed playing basketball on the high school team.

His mining career began in 1950 at the Mather A Mine. Also in 1950, Ed became acquainted with Rosemarie (Mercier) Bentti. They married on August 1, 1953.

After he was drafted into the army, Ed and Rosemarie spent several years in Georgia and Kansas before returning home to Michigamme. Ed's mining career resumed in 1955 when he started with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. During the "big lay-off of '58", Ed worked at the North Range – Champion Mine and cut pulp too. The Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962 gave Ed the opportunity to receive engineer training at Michigan Technological University. President John F. Kennedy as a tool to fight unemployment and to promote a highly skilled labor force implemented this act.

By 1963, Ed had a surveyor's job at the Republic Mine. After 20 years at the Republic Mine, he retired in 1983 as the Drilling Supervisor.

Ed was the proud father of Catherine (Tim) Bulera, Mary Ann (Kirk) Luke, and Christopher (Michele) Bentti. He was the grandfather of five: Ben T. Bulera; Ann (Tom) Christian; Jennifer Luke; Mark Luke; and Sierra Bentti. He was especially close to his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Mary Mercier, and to his niece, Jean Louise Mercier Smith.

Ed liked to keep busy. He was active in community affairs including the Lions Club, the Michigamme Fire Department and the First Responders. He sold real estate, loved to cut firewood, and enjoyed being at camp. Watching the sunrise each morning with a cup of coffee was his favorite time. He saw beauty in the dawning of each day and often recorded it with a photograph. His collection of Lake Michigamme sunrise photos is enormous!

Edwin is survived by two of his children, Cathy Bulera of Onalaska, WI and Chris Bentti of Hastings, MI, all of his grandchildren, and numerous family members & friends. His wife (Rosemarie) and his daughter (Mary Ann) preceded him in death. His parents and his brother Elmer also preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 6:00pm with Fr. Greg Heikkala officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to the service. Following the service, a dinner will be served in the church fellowship hall.

Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home of Ishpeming is assisting the family with the arrangements. Ed's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many people who cared for and assisted Ed. The family is grateful for their support at this difficult time.