Obituary
Roy Millimaki, age 92, of Ishpeming, Michigan, died on May 18, 2010, at home in the loving care of family and UP Home Health and Hospice. Roy was born on March 2, 1918, to Finnish immigrants Solomon and Minnie Millimaki in a log cabin in Ishpeming Township.
He was only 8 when his father died in the Barnes-Hecker mining disaster. In the documentary Barnes-Hecker Memories of a Misfortune, he was interviewed as one of the last surviving children. Roy Married Emily Lehtinen on June 20, 1942. As a young man Roy played professional baseball. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals and pitched for 3 seasons, until called into the service with the 10th Mt. Division. The highlight of his career was being picked by Babe Ruth for his All- Star Team. Roy remained a passionate sports fan to the end. He could recall Detroit Tiger stats from long ago when he listened to radio games. Before computers, he was the source local sports fans called to settle disputes.
Before starting his own excavation business, Roy worked as a heavy equipment operator for various contractors and Cliff Power and Light. He made many roads and dug numerous basements. In addition, Roy operated landfills for the cities of Ishpeming and Negaunee and 8 townships. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and was one of the original organizers of the Ishpeming Men's Horseshoe League in 1957. He pitched for the Humboldt baseball team and other local teams for many years, and he was one of the first members of the West Ishpeming Riverside Club.
Roy was preceded in death by Emily, his wife of 67 years, his parents, and 7 brothers and one sister. He is survived by his daughter, Connie Snell (Robert) of Anacortes, Wash., son, Terry Millimaki (Sharon) of Ishpeming; four grandchildren, several great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Roy's interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. The family wishes to thank UP Home Health and Hospice for their dedication and loving care. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday August 21, 2010 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the services.
Roy's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guest book may be signed.
He was only 8 when his father died in the Barnes-Hecker mining disaster. In the documentary Barnes-Hecker Memories of a Misfortune, he was interviewed as one of the last surviving children. Roy Married Emily Lehtinen on June 20, 1942. As a young man Roy played professional baseball. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals and pitched for 3 seasons, until called into the service with the 10th Mt. Division. The highlight of his career was being picked by Babe Ruth for his All- Star Team. Roy remained a passionate sports fan to the end. He could recall Detroit Tiger stats from long ago when he listened to radio games. Before computers, he was the source local sports fans called to settle disputes.
Before starting his own excavation business, Roy worked as a heavy equipment operator for various contractors and Cliff Power and Light. He made many roads and dug numerous basements. In addition, Roy operated landfills for the cities of Ishpeming and Negaunee and 8 townships. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and was one of the original organizers of the Ishpeming Men's Horseshoe League in 1957. He pitched for the Humboldt baseball team and other local teams for many years, and he was one of the first members of the West Ishpeming Riverside Club.
Roy was preceded in death by Emily, his wife of 67 years, his parents, and 7 brothers and one sister. He is survived by his daughter, Connie Snell (Robert) of Anacortes, Wash., son, Terry Millimaki (Sharon) of Ishpeming; four grandchildren, several great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Roy's interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. The family wishes to thank UP Home Health and Hospice for their dedication and loving care. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday August 21, 2010 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the services.
Roy's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guest book may be signed.
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