Michigamme - Leonard A. Rautio, age 97, of Michigamme, passed away at 11:40pm on Saturday, December 27th, 2008 at Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming Twp. where he had been a resident for the past 2½ years.

Leonard was born in Republic, Michigan on December 5, 1911, the son of the late John and Hilda (Peterson) Rautio, and was a lifelong area resident. He worked first at the Blueberry Mine until its closure and then in the woods as a lumberjack for several area loggers. In his latter years Leonard cut firewood for several area families. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in L'Anse. Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing, and picking blueberries along with throwing horseshoes. In his younger years he played baseball with the team from Republic.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fern Rautio of Michigamme; four daughters – Betty (John) Robinson of Ishpeming, JoAnn (William) Prisk of Champion, Fern (Reynor) Johnson of Greenwood Loc., and Karen LaPin of Negaunee; two sons - Robert Rautio of Odessa, TX and Arthur (Cheryl) Rautio of Michigamme, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, a son-in-law Nathan LaPin, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Leonard, and infant son Robert, a granddaughter JoAnn Prisk, a great grandson Eric Noel Erickson, along with four sisters and two brothers.

Cremation will take place with a Memorial Service to be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.