Ishpeming- Matt Korpi was born in Ishpeming on November 11, 1928 to parents Matt & Hilda (Wiippola) Korpi Sr. of Ishpeming. He died June 30, 2011 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility.


On June 20, 1951, Matt married Barbara Arehart after he shoveled her car out of a snow bank north of Ishpeming. They built a house together in the Fire Center area of North Ishpeming.

Together they had 4 children; Linda (Mike) Legacy of Michigamme, David Korpi of Ishpeming, Kathrine (David) Savu of Ishpeming, Barbara Kratz of Ishpeming. They have 4 grandchildren, Warren Waters, Bradley Waters, Brett Kratz and Becky Korpi. They have 2 great-grandchildren, Kenneth Waters and Justy Kratz. Matt is also survived by 3 sisters, Ellen (Dewey) Tippett, Hilda Amanda Santti, and Kaarina Lucas along with numerous nieces and nephews. Matt was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Arvid and Arthur Korpi. Also sisters Hilda and Hilma Korpi.

Barb and Matt moved to Ishpeming on 346 South Pine Street in 1965. Matt was a devoted Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company employee for 30 years at the Mather "B" Mine in Negaunee and the Tilden Mine in National Mine. After retiring Matt owned and operated a sawmill north of Ishpeming. Matt and Barb enjoyed their camp on the Dead River Basin where they spent most of their summers. They also loved to travel, attend parades, music concerts, and many community functions.

Funeral services will be held 11:00AM Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Bethel Lutheran Church on Saturday from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am.

Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church-social ministries in memory of Matt Korpi Jr.

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