Ishpeming – Peter M. Ruokola, age 81, of 220 Seilo Ave., Ishpeming Twp., passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Ishpeming.

Peter was born July 18, 1934 as Mauno Peter Ruokolainen in Perho, Finland the son of the late Casper and Jennie (Rantala) Ruokolainen. His parents immigrated to this country when he was an infant, with Peter being raised by his grandmother in Finland until he could come to this country at age 13 to be reunited with his parents and siblings. They resided in Negaunee where Peter attended school. He graduated from the Negaunee High School in 1954, having completed his high school courses in two years. Peter served in the United States Army during peacetime, being stationed in Germany.

Peter married Kathleen K. Anderson and together they raised 3 children in Ishpeming Twp. He worked as a Mason out of the Bricklayers Union, Local #4 for 40 years mainly with the Closner Construction Co. on larger projects throughout the Upper Peninsula, retiring at age 63. Peter was a true carpenter, and enjoyed building or fixing anything. He built his camp on Bass Lake in the Gwinn location, where the family would spend there summers, along with having a hand in building his children's homes. Peter was an avid deer hunter, and enjoyed bowling in his younger years. He was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church and the Michigamme Community Club.

Survivors include his wife Kathleen Ruokola of Ishpeming, 2 daughters – Cindy Kocian and Bonnie Brewer both of Ishpeming, a son Peter (Shane) Ruokola of Gwinn, 7 grandchildren – Jared, Ethan and Parker Kocian, Seth and Nathan Brewer, Peter and Kaden Ruokola, 2 sisters – Irene Kindstrand of Ishpeming and Nancy (Mark) Ring of Negaunee, a brother Donald (Kathy) Ruokolainen of Ishpeming, mother-in-law – Mimi Anderson of Ishpeming, brother-in-law – Gary (Marlene) Anderson of Palmer, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Steven Brewer, sisters – Ingrid Varner and Karen Ruokolainen, brother-in-law Delvin Anderson and father-in-law Arvid Anderson.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Saturday at the Bethel Lutheran Church. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 1:00pm at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 at the conclusion of the services. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 333 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 in Peter's memory.

Peter'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 .