Ishpeming – Kenneth W. Oja, age 90, longtime Ishpeming resident passed away on Monday, February 23, 2015 at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette where he had resided since June of 2013.

Ken was born March 15, 1924 in Ishpeming the son of the late Gust and Hilma (Ekoluoma) Oja. Ken was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School. Ken served in the United States Army during World War II, as a Sniper in the 10th Mountain Division of Company I, 86th Infantry Regiment. He was involved in Battles in the Northern Appennines and Po Valley and received the Bronze Star on July 19, 1945. He returned to Ishpeming following his honorable discharge on Jan. 1, 1946.

Ken worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for over 35 years, first at the Mather "B", and for most of the time at the Research Lab in Ishpeming, retiring in 1982. Ken married Lillian Schmeltz on Nov. 28, 1946 and together they raised their 3 children in Ishpeming. Ken was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church. In his younger years he was an avid ski-jumper, and was the Class B World Champion in 1947. Ken was a member of the Ishpeming Ski Club. Following his ski jumping days, Ken enjoyed downhill and cross country skiing, especially his annual trips to Colorado. In the summer months he kept himself active by biking, jogging and swimming at Cedar Lake. Ken enjoyed his morning coffee with his buddies along with his weekly saunas.

Survivors include a daughter – Suzanne (Peter) Valenti of Ganesvoort, NY, a son Douglas (Bonnie) Oja of Romeo, MI; 7 grandchildren – Franklin (Michelle) Valenti, Belinda (Jeffrey) Kessler, D'Anne Oja, Nicole Lang, Devon (Emil) Walsh, Jeremy Oja and Jason (Victoria) Nault, a special nephew Bruce Chapman, along with numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend and coffee buddy Warren Heikkila. He was preceded in death by his wife Lillian (Schmeltz) Oja in 2000, a son Glenn Oja 2010, daughter-in-law Darlene Oja, his twin brother Raymond and brothers – Alvin and Stewart "Scrammy" Oja and sisters Linda Morisette, Marie Patron, Mamie Oja, Marjorie Oja and Gertrude Chapman.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10 – 11am on Friday, February 27, 2015 at the Bethel Lutheran Church. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am on Friday at the Bethel Lutheran Church 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 Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

Memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Activities Fund in memory of Ken.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .