Ishpeming – Hubert M. "Hubba" Wiitanen, age 99 formerly of 605 Lakeshore Dr., passed away January 12, 2009 with his family at his side at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming, under the loving care of their staff, where he has been a resident for the past four years.

Hubba was born December 11, 1909 in Calumet, MI to William and Sophie (Basto) Wiitanen. He grew up in Calumet and later moved to Ishpeming in 1958. Hubba worked at the C&H Mine, Iron Heating Furnace Company, the Cemetery and Green Giant Can Factory.

Hubba loved to go hunting, trapping, and trout stream fishing, mostly with his nephew Jerry. He also enjoyed spending time with his niece Wendy and her family for a good Sunday dinner. He enjoyed drawing mostly, pictures of trains because he really admired them.

Hubert is survived by a sister Gladys Marketty of Ishpeming, sister-in-law Ruth Wiitanen of Hazel Park, nieces and nephews: Joann (Richard) Barnard of Howell, Nancy Miller of Denver, NC, Paul (Char) Wiitanen of Dearborn, Annette (Al) Mueller of Redford, Gloria Heady of Holly, Shiela (George) Gavin of Fox Lakes, IL, Cindy DeVries of Grand Rapids, Shirley (Jim) Yates of Stevensville, Kathleen Werle of Pine Knoll Shores, NC, Andrea (Jim) VanWyck of Pine Knoll Shores, NC, Karen Wiitanen, Terry Wiitanen, Roger Wiitanen, Janet (Brian) Bates all of Muskegon, Jerry (Johanna) Paakola of Askel, Sandra (Tony) Venezia of Deltona, FL, Bonnie (Dave) Corkin of Ishpeming, Dale (Karen(Mike)) Paakola of Williamsburg, Wendy (Daniel) Kainulainen of Negaunee, along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers and 3 sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00PM on Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Lindenberg to officiate. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Friday the 16th from 4:00PM until the time of services at 5:00PM.