Ishpeming – Irvin H. Korpi, age 83, longtime Ishpeming resident passed away on Sunday January 15, 2017 at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising where he had resided for the past 7 months.

Irvin was born March 21, 1933 in Ishpeming the son of the late Nestor and Martha (Santaholma) Korpi. He attended the Ishpeming High School and later graduated from night school. He served in the Michigan National Guard. Irwin worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 42 years, retiring from the Brownstone Shops in Ishpeming as a mechanic. Following his retirement he had lived for a period of 20 years in Iron Mountain prior to returning to Ishpeming.

Irvin was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church along with the Riverside Club. He enjoyed the outdoors which included spending time at camp, hunting and fishing. Irvin also passed his time by playing cards and doing woodworking projects one of which was making a Zither. Other projects included a model of a iron ore mining shaft and musical jewelry boxes. Irvin also grew his own vegetables and would sell them at his highway stand in the summer months.

Survivors include a son Wayne Korpi of Diamondhead, MS, son-in-law Jim Kipling of Ishpeming, 3 sisters - Jeanette Dunstan of Ishpeming who was his caretaker for several years, Edith Sandberg of Ishpeming and Donna (Marvin) Korb of Fond du Lac, WI, brother Ronald (Naoma) Korpi of Ishpeming, 2 grandchildren Brian Kipling and Kara (Josh) Ball and 2 great grandchildren – Jaren and Jayce Kipling, sisters-in-law Marie Korpi of Palmer and Cece Korpi of Ishpeming along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Peggy Kipling, sister Ethel Aho, brothers John and Dennis Korpi, and brothers-in-law Russell Aho, Edward Sandberg and Bill Dunstan.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am until Noon on Thursday January 19, 2017 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at Noon on Thursday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate.

In lieu of cards or flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association at Alz.org or 309 S. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855 in memory of Irvin.

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