Lindenhurst, IL- Paul E. Harvala, age 60 of 2118 Meadow Dr. Lindenhurst, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at his home.

Paul was born on August 26, 1948 in Ishpeming to the late Edwin & Irene (Ruusi) Harvala. He graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1966, and spent 4 years at Washburn Trade School in Chicago. Paul worked as a sheet metal worker, working out of Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union 73 of Chicago.

Paul was very carefree and easygoing, always trying to make others laugh. He went out of his way to help others. Paul was very talented, restoring 2 classic British motorcycles: 1971 Norton & 1972 Triumph and more recently took up the hobby of photography, always taking pictures of family, friends, nature & even road kill. Paul loved scavenging through rummage sales and was an avid collector of many items such as baseball cards, stamps, coins, mugs, pins, and sharks' teeth to name a few.

Paul was close with his family, especially his three children taking them on many vacations throughout the U.S. and Canada, taking them skiing, visiting historical sites, horseback riding, and going on hot air balloon rides. He coached all 3 of his childrens' baseball, iceless hockey, soccer and football teams. To say the least, Paul was a passionate traveler and outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing in the UP. Even though Paul lived in Illinois for 42 years he always considered himself a "Yooper" and as he liked to say "just visiting IL and always on his way back Home."

Paul is survived by his 3 children; Jacob (Sarah) Harvala of Pleasant Prairie, WI and their expecting child in July, Matthew (Jennifer) Harvala of Kenosha, WI and Dana Harvala of Lindenhurst, IL, and special lady friend Nancy Dishaw of Iron Mountain, 3 sisters: Elizabeth Abbs of Oxley, AR, Irene (John) Janofski of Marquette and Louise Harvala of Ishpeming, 2 brothers: George (Judy) Harvala, of Gwinn and Peter (Elaine) Harvala of Ishpeming, his former wife Lynn, along with numerous nieces & nephews, several aunts and an uncle.

Funeral services will be held 1:00PM Friday June 12, 2009 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Friends and Family may call at the Bethel Lutheran Church on Friday from 11:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth & David Abbs, Steven, Keith & Allen Harvala, Mark & David Janofski, Daniel Harvala, Jedd & Todd Holt.

Memorial considerations may be directed to the Ishpeming Ski Club in memory of Paul Harvala.