Republic, MI - Wilho A. Ritola, age 93, lifelong Republic resident passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, where he had resided since December of 2019.

Wilho was born in Republic, Michigan on April 29, 1928, a son of the late Aura (Pihjalamaki) and Alfred Ritola. He grew up in Republic and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II in Trieste, Italy. He was honorably discharged and returned to Republic. Wilho worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 37 years, starting underground at the Cliffs Shaft, and then at the Republic and Tilden Mines working as a shovel operator.

Wilho was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic. He enjoyed heading to the Summer Place in Republic every morning for Coffee and catching up on the daily news. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Wilho was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Sesquicentennial Parade in Republic this past summer. Wilho took the Honor Flight (which was his first flight) at age 84, to Washington, DC.

Survivors include a son George (Gayle) Ritola of Republic; grandchildren and great grandchildren - Shannon (Andy) Demboski and their children Ryan and Brendan; Lindsay (Tom) Workman and their daughter Morgan; John (Jolyn) Groskreutz and their son Cody; Yvonne (Jason) Dunlap and their children Baileigh, Makayla, and Gunnar; sister Mary Ann Voegtline; sister-in-law Concetta Maki along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Violet, daughter Bonnie Grant, son Steven, brothers George, Arthur and Sulo and sisters Aino and Rachel.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Bethany Lutheran Church -in Republic where Military Honors will be accorded.  The family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the service.  A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Private interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

Wilho's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.