Ishpeming – Richard A. Liubakka, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2015 at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.

Richard was born July 17, 1923 in Meadow Twp., MN the son of the late Elias and Ina Maria (Parkkonen) Liubakka. He moved to Negaunee, MI as an infant and has resided in this area since that time. Richard served in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theater, being honorable discharged on July 3, 1946. He married Elma M. Hakala on October 11th, 1945 in Negaunee. They lived & raised their family on a farm in Palmer Michigan. Richard worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for many years as a Miner. He was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elma M. Liubakka on April 6, 2013, parents, son David, grandson Bradley, 3 brothers – William, Hilpie and Eiseri, and 3 sisters – Aili Ruuska, Helmi LaFeir & Elsie Hintsala.

He leaves behind a daughter Sharon (Dave) Koukkari of Maple Grove, MN, sons - Jim (Karen) Liubakka Elk River, MN, Tom (Rhonda) Liubakka New Ipswich, NH & Brian (Sheila) Liubakka of Duluth, MN, along with 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of brothers & sisters in faith.

Visitation will be from 5 until 8pm on Friday March 20, 2015 at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, Co. Rd. 492, Negaunee, and again on Saturday March 21, 2015 from 10 until 11:00am. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00am on Saturday with Dan Hintsala to officiate. Interment will take place at the Negaunee Cemetery.

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