ISHPEMING, MI – Ross Ardean Hintsala, age 66, of Ishpeming, died Monday July 27, 2026, at home while in the comforting care of his caregivers and family. 

Ross was born on February 6, 1960, in Ishpeming to Jacob and Irene (Prusi) Hintsala, the youngest of his large family. He attended Marquette schools. 

Ross lived at home in Black River location near Republic with his parents for most of his younger life. Later he moved to Cedar Hills group home in West Ishpeming, where he had made his home for more than 20 years. He was a loving, kindhearted man whose simple warmth touched everyone around him. Ross was easy to love, with his sunny and fun-loving personality. He was a gentle spirit who loved to smile, give hugs and shake hands, make people laugh, and occasionally get into mischief. 

Ross was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church of Negaunee. 

Ross was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Fred, as well as infant brothers Dennis and Kenneth and infant sister LaVerne. He is survived by brothers David (Alice) Hintsala of Escanaba, Arlen of Black River location, and Brian (Julie) Hintsala of Negaunee, as well as sisters Lenore (Joseph) Mattila of Negaunee, Bonnie (Jack) Hakkola of Escanaba, Kay Hintsala of Stephenson, and sister-in-law Susan Hintsala of Rogers, MN. Ross is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews and a host of brothers and sisters in faith. 

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, County Road 492, Negaunee, MI, with Don Johnson officiating. A luncheon will be served at the church, followed by burial in the Humboldt Township cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 AM to Noon just prior to the funeral service.

Ross will be remembered for his pure love, his kindness, and the laughter he brought into so many lives.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers at Cedar Hills, with our heartfelt gratitude especially to Sydney, for the loving care and compassion shown to Ross and to us. Your love for Ross showed, and it touches our hearts.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.