Ishpeming- Paul C. "Gus" Vahamaa Sr., age 58 of 4548 Co. Rd. 496 Ishpeming (Ely Twp), passed away Friday, June 03, 2011 at the Mather Nursing Center, under the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice after a brief illness.

Paul was born September 22, 1952 in Negaunee to Ero & Helen (Saari) Vahamaa. He graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1970. Gus worked 38 years for Cliffs Natural Resources (CCI); he retired April 30, 2011 as a plant repairman.

Gus played for Hickey's Bar Pool and Horseshoe teams. He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed his backyard swimming pool and barbequing. Gus also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially watching his granddaughter Anastasia playing basketball and baseball.

Gus is survived by his wife Nancy (Nelson) whom he married November 23,1974, 3 children: Paul (Lisa) Vahamaa Jr. of Green Bay, WI, Stacie "Missy" (Gavin) Ferris of Ishpeming and Andrew (Amy) Vahamaa of Green Bay, 4 grandchildren; Noah, Anastasia, Callie, his little buddy- Nolan and one more expecting grandchild, 3 sisters: Rose Michaud of Green Bay, Christine (Chuck) Cabrera of Elk Horn, WI and Barbara Bradley of Delaware, a brother David (Sue) Vahama of Ishpeming, several nieces and nephews including special nieces Kelly Michaud and Stephanie Mattson along with great niece Kayla and great nephew Jeffery. Gus was preceded in death by his parents Ero & Helen, a brother Eugene Vahamaa and his canine companion "Blitz".

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 6:00pm Monday, June 6, 2011 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming with Fr. Greg Heikkala officiating. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Johns Catholic Church on Monday from 3:00-6:00pm.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Mattson, John Nelson, Robert Corneliuson, Charles Suardini, Steve Nelson and Bob Goyen

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