Republic – Oscar R. Antilla, age 83, of 7794 Highway M-95, Republic passed away on Thursday July 28, 2016 at the Marquette Co Medical care Facility in Ishpeming where he had resided since March 11, 2015.

Oscar was born December 23, 1932 in Republic the son of the late Arthur E. and Toini K. (Heilala) Antilla. Oscar was a graduate of the Republic High School, Class of 1951. He was a lifelong Republic resident where he had been an active community supporter. Oscar was a former board member of the Republic-Michigamme School District, along with a former member of the Republic Lions Club, Republic Volunteer Fire Dept., and the Republic Sportsmen Club. During his working career Oscar owned and operated Antilla Logging for a period of 50 years. Oscar enjoyed working in the woods, especially when it came to building cabins. He was a current member of the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic.

Survivors include his wife of the past 61 years Joan Antilla of Republic, 4 children including 3 sons – David Antilla, Steve (Judy Venn) Antilla and Mark (Joanne) Antilla all of Republic, and a daughter Mary Jo (Brian Marlowe) Carello of Ishpeming, 6 grandchildren – Leslie (Scott) LaCosse, Lindsey (Andrew) Mattson, Taylor (Jake) Spear, Marcus Antilla, Stephanie Carello and Marissa Carello, a great granddaughter Rachel LaCosse, 3 sisters – Doris Plankey of South Lyon, Gloria (Robert) Erwin of Chandler, AZ and Lorraine (Robert) Zimmerman of Perry, a brother Charles Antilla of Walled Lake, sister-in-law Laverne Antilla of Republic, along with several nieces and nephews. Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters – Ruth Koski, Dorothy Gatteri and Elvie Mattila and a brother Clarence Antilla.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bethany Lutheran Church on Sunday July 31, 2016 from 12:30pm until 2:00pm. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00pm on Sunday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kevin Kaiser to officiate. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Pallbearers will be Oscar's grandchildren.

The Antilla family wishes to thank all of the caregivers at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility for their compassionate care shown towards Oscar and his family during his stay.

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

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