Obit: Kantola, Ray W. (1938 - 2019)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Adams, Dahlstrom, Fritz , Grittner, Hanson, Kantola, Scott, Steve

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 3/01/2019

Kantola, Ray W. (3 SEP 1938 - 24 FEB 2019)

Ray W. Kantola, 80, of Ishpeming Township, Mich. and Westboro, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Westboro with Pastor Jordan Scott officiating. Military honors will be performed by Premeau-Schauss VFW Post 7817. Visitation will he held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time on the service. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ray’s life. There will also be a celebration of Ray’s life in Marquette, Mich., sometime this summer after the snow melts.

Ray was born on Sept. 3, 1938, in Republic, Mich. After graduating from Ishpeming High School, Ray served in the Navy for six years. While living in Garden City, Kan., Ray earned his associates degree and later received a banking degree from Northern Michigan University. He moved to Colby and opened the Northside Bar, Best By Far. Ray moved to Ishpeming, Mich. and worked for Bechtel, later joined Union National Bank, First of America Bank, D & N Bank and retired from Citizen’s Bank in 1997.

After retirement, Ray worked at 41 Auto in Ishpeming, Mich. He was also a parts runner at Caroll Motors in Marquette, Mich. Ray’s passion in life was spending time at his 80 acre camp, particularly during deer season with his crew of close friends. Ray enjoyed playing in many pool, dart and cribbage leagues in Ishpeming and Marquette. Family and friends will always remember him as a loyal and dependable friend.

Ray is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jody (Joelle) Grittner Kantola; sons, Bret (Jackie) Kantola of Paonia, Colo. and Wayne (Sarah) Kantola of Woodbury, Minn.; grandchildren, Shane and Patrick Kantola of Denver, Colo., Nick (Meridy) Kantola of Oakdale, Minn. and Kristin Kantola of Woodbury, Minn.; and two great-grandchildren, Ramona and Simon Kantola of Oakdale Minn. Ray is also survived by two sisters, Diane (Dan) Dahlstrom of Marquette, Mich. and Debby (Rob) Fritz , of Holland, Mich.; one brother, Bill Steve, of Negaunee, Mich.; sisters-in-law, Pat (George) Hanson of Westboro, Mary Steve of Wausaukee and Lois Steve of Appleton; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by parents Jack and Marjorie Steve and Laurie and Rosemary Kantola; son, Michael Kantola; brothers, Laurie, Gary and Dale Kantola and Ed Steve; and sister, Connie Steve Lompre. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Nancy Kantola Adams.

We also remember his three Miniature Schnauzers all named Schultz.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials be directed to DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette MI or the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 44 Poppy Fund 700 W. Bluff, Marquette, MI.