Diorite- Nels G. Paavola, age 91, lifelong area resident, passed away on Saturday August 3, 2019 at his home, while in the loving care of his family, and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Nels was born on January 18, 1928 in Dexter Location of Ely Township, son of the late Gust and Laimi (Huikku) Paavola. He served in the United States Navy in World War II before returning home and working for Cliffs at the, Lloyd, Mather B and Republic iron ore mines.  Nels was a school bus driver for the NICE School District following retirement and served as water supervisor for Diorite for many years.  Nels was an umpire for local men and women's softball leagues for over 50 years, thus getting to know several generations of local ball players.

Nels loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He thoroughly appreciated living in the U.P. and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He took many snowmobiling and ATV excursions with his buddies.  He enjoyed playing cribbage and smear with friends and family and almost always would win the bid.

A lifelong hobby was canning fresh vegetables from his garden with Betty, his wife of 63 years.  He picked enough blueberries for Betty to make a lifetime of wild blueberry pies and muffins.  His passion following his retirement was playing golf at Wawonowin Country Club with his nephews and friends.

Nels is survived by 5 children- Gail Landtroop of Vicksburg, MI, Susan Paavola of Richmond, VA, Paul Paavola of Manitowoc, WI, Neil (Sandra) Paavola of Republic, MI, Pamela (Tim) Frisk of Humboldt, MI, 8 grandchildren- Jamie (Jon) Gorsline, Billie Jo Landtroop, Jeff Landtroop, Eric (Gretchen) Paavola, Adam Paavola, Nina Paavola, Jessica (Mike) Froberg, Matt Frisk, 8 great grandchildren- Jared, Jordan, JJ, Makenzie, Eric, Simon, Caleb, Julian, along with 2 nieces, 1 nephew, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife- Elizabeth (Grund) Paavola, 2 sisters- Aili Warner, Toini Ogea, and 1 brother- Walter Paavola.

Nels's family will greet relatives and friends at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home on Thursday August 8, 2019 from 10:00am until 12:00pm. Nels's funeral service will start at 12:00pm with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the service at the Bethel Lutheran Church located at 333 E. Ridge St. in Ishpeming.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund.