National Mine – Eino E. "Kats" Katajamaki, age 89, former resident of 185 Co. Rd. PAA, National Mine, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans where he had been a resident since Sept. 22, 2011.


Eino was born Nov. 13, 1924 in Ishpeming, MI the son of the late Oscar & Aliina (Kataja) Katajamaki. Eino spent his early years living in the old Salisbury Mine office located at the top of the highest hill in Salisbury which was converted into a home.


Eino joined the United States Army in 1943, with the 133rd Army Airways Comm. System, stationed in Europe during World War II being honorable discharged in 1946 as a Sergeant. Following his service time "Kats" returned to Ishpeming and was employed with the railroad / section line for about 5 years. He the worked for Longyear on their diamond drills for 10 years or so – traveling many times to neighboring states. Eino worked in the construction industry for the Upper Peninsula Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Local #111 – retiring in 1986. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cross country skiing (a couple of winters he put on over 1000 miles on his ski's), taking daily walks, rock collecting, wood carving, painting, daily reading, and enjoying the outdoors.


Eino is survived by a niece Carol (Wayne) Pleaugh, several nephews – Robert Katajamaki, Dennis Katajamaki, David Roberts, Terry Katajamaki, Jack Katajamaki, Gerald Maki, along with many great nieces and nephews. Eino was preceded in death by two brothers – Toivo and Reino "Rip" Katajamaki, two sisters – Sylvia Roberts and Gertrude Katajamaki, several nephews and all his in-laws.


Per Eino's wishes, cremation will take place, and his cremains will be scattered according to his wishes with no funeral services to be held.


Memorials may be directed to the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Activities Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, Mi 49855.


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