Marquette / Humboldt Twp. – Elden Rautio, age 86, of 326 Lost Creek Dr., Marquette and longtime Humboldt Twp. resident, passed away on Sunday May 8, 2016 at his home.

Elden was born December 15, 1929 in Champion, MI the son of John & Ida (Aho) Rautio. He grew up in Champion, attending the Champion School. Elden served in the United States Army from January 9, 1951 until Dec. 30, 1952 having served in Germany. He returned from the service and had worked on the ore boats, meeting his eventual wife Patricia in Waukegan, IL during this time. They began to raise their family in Zion, IL where they resided from the mid-1950's until 1965 with Elden working for the Johns Manville Co. Upon Elden's return to Humboldt he began to build the family home. He worked for many years as a mechanic for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co., first at the Republic Mine and later at the Tilden Mine, retiring in 1991. Elden will be remembered by his family as one who always supported his family.

Survivors include his 5 children – daughters – Catherine Syrjala of Harvey, Theresa Lancour of Gwinn and Jeanette Ilves of Greenwood Loc., 2 sons – Steven Rautio of Ishpeming and Thomas Rautio of Grand Rapids, 9 grandchildren – Scott Syrjala, Douglas Syrjala, Marcia Johnson, Christopher Lancour, John Rautio, Abby Rautio, Cassie Rautio, Kevin Ilves and Heather Hakkarinen, numerous great grandchildren including Hailey Lancour, Jacob Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Lillian Lancour, Alex Lancour, Drew Hakkarinen and Mary Jane Rautio. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Rautio in 1993, his twin brother Eldred Rautio in 2015 along with brothers Albert, Bill and Matt, and sisters Hannah Rautio and Betty Skytta.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00noon – 1:00pm on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00pm at the funeral home with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 at the conclusion of the services. Interment will take place at the Humboldt Cemetery. Elden's grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

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