Michigamme – Emil E. Bentti, age 78, of 26325 Fence River Rd. in Spurr Twp., passed away on Monday, November 7, 2011 at Marquette General Hospital where he had been a patient for the past week.

Emil was born March 1, 1933 in Imperial Heights, MI and grew up in the farm country of Michigamme. Throughout his childhood he gained the nickname "Deed" for his many acts of kindness for the people of the area. All through grade school and high school he worked on the family farm and in his father's logging business. During his Junior year at Michigamme High School, he was a key player on the 1951 Class E Michigan State Championship basketball team. He graduated from Michigamme High School, Class of 1952.

Emil joined the United States Air Force in 1952. After basic training he returned home to marry Deloris Kostrova on August 15, 1953. He served for 20 years in the US Air Force, gaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, working as crew chief and aircraft maintenance supervisor. He participated in the Lebanon Crisis, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the USS Pueblo Incident. Emil retired from the Air Force in September of 1972.

He settled in Gwinn, MI and began work with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. in the labor pool. He worked at both the Empire and Tilden Mines, making his way up to sub Boss, prior to retiring in 1992. After retirement he established a home on the land that he grew up on and loved on the Spruce River. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his buddies, making Cedar shingles in the shingle mill business he took over. Emil also enjoyed singing in the "Seed Sowers Choir" and growing a large vegetable garden and sharing the produce of such with his friends. He enjoyed Polka Night at Mt. Shasta Lodge in Michigamme.

Emil is survived by his wife of 58 years, Deloris A. Bentti, two children: Dennis (Judy Atherton) Bentti of Marathon, WI and Joanne Bentti (Terry Bartley) of Marquette, two sisters: Ethel Flannigan of Munising and Edna Larsen of Marquette, two brothers: E. Ron Bentti of Edgewater, FL and Bob (Libby) Bentti of Cincinnati, OH, 5 grandchildren: Michael Bentti, Jeremey Bentti, Doris Atherton, Brenda Bentti and Jessica Bentti, 4 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and devoted ex son in law Chuck Morgan of Marquette. Emil was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Helmi, and brothers Elmer and Edwin M. Bentti.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 noon, Thursday, November 10, at Woodland United Methodist Church in Michigamme with Rev. Mark Ryan officiating. Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Woodland United Methodist Church on Thursday from 11:00AM until the time of service at 12:00 noon. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 will conduct Military Honors at the conclusion of the funeral service.

Pallbearers will be Michael Bentti, Jeremey Bentti, Ethan Bentti, Butch Wiljanen, Jim Lovelace and Church Morgan.

Memorial considerations may be directed to the Ishpeming Salvation Army in memory of Emil.

Emil's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guest book may be signed.