Ishpeming – Ronald E. Heikkinen, age 78 of 111 Bluff St. #208, Ishpeming and former Republic resident passed away Sunday, October 31 2010 at the Marquette General Hospital shortly after being admitted.

Ron was born March 27, 1932 in Ishpeming to Anselm & Mary (Maki) Heikkinen. Ron graduated from Ishpeming High School. He served his country in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean Conflict.

Ron worked as a mechanic for the Cleveland Cliffs Mining Company and the Hannah Mining Company and later worked as the head custodian for the Republic-Michigamme School District. Ron was a currently a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming where he was a member of the choir, he formerly was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic where he also belonged to the choir, served on the church council and active in the Men's Group. Ron enjoyed woodworking in his woodshop, hunting and fishing. Ron enjoyed being with his family, especially visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ron formerly was a volunteer with Republic Fire Department and EMT's, served on the Republic-Michigamme School Board and a member of the Greenwood American Legion. Back in the early 1970's he was a part of the Penguin Snowmobile Club in Republic.

Ron is survived by his wife Betty (Heilala) Heikkinen whom he married July 12, 1952, 58 years ago, 4 children: Marie (Clyde) Sellers of Medford, OR, Sherry (Ken) Atkins of Republic, Jayne (Bill) Hoffert of Medford, OR, and Nancy (Don) Blair of Paoli, IN, 4 sisters Sharon (William) Fountain of Gwinn, Kathy (Dave) Ackland of Ishpeming, Christine (P.C.) Gupta of Marquette, Julie (Donn) Wolf of Marquette, 2 brothers: Walter (Avis) Lampi of Ishpeming and James (Beverly) Heikkinen of Calumet, 11 grandchildren: Kelly, Kristen, Jessica, Michael, Christopher, Cassie, Connor, Collin, Jason, Rick and Patrick, 10 great grandchildren along wit numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, step mother Anna Koski, 2 daughters Ruth Ann Smith and Dona (Stuart) Tait, grandson Corey Manier and brothers Gerald and Mark

The family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00 – 11:00am on Saturday Nov. 13, 2010 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am on Saturday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev.'s Lauri O. Maki and Katherine Finegan to officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 will conduct Military Honors at the conclusion of the memorial service.