Keith W. Karinen

Keith Karinen, 59, of Askel Location, Michigan, passed away Tuesday afternoon, October 18, 2005 at his home, with his family by his side, following a lengthy illness.

He was born May 20, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, a son of the late Robert and Ethelyn (Tulppo) Karinen. Keith and his family moved to the area in his teen years. He graduated from the John A. Doelle Agricultural School in Tapiola in 1964. He then earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Soumi College. On August 26, 1967 he married the former Gloria Saari in Our Savior Lutheran Church in Elo.

Keith worked as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic for different companies over the years. Most recently he was employed as a shop foreman at the former Connors Forest Industries Mill, an equipment operator for Lindberg & Son and for a company in Rudhoe Bay, Alaska.

He was a member of Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie, the Otter Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the Operating Engineers Local #324.

Keith, who was a "history buff", enjoyed working as a mechanic, restoring tractors, reading, had an interest in airplanes, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Karinen of Askel Location, MI; children, Vicki (Richard) Lyon of Rock Springs, WY, Robert (Karen) Karinen of Tapiola and Linda Jeremy) Coppler of Elo; 3 grandchildren, Hayley Karinen, Jaylee Lyon and Jacob Coppler; 3 step-grandchildren, Jessica Battisfore, Jered and Miranda Coppler; sister, Janet (Gerald) Allison of Roscommon, MI; brothers, Lowell (Margaret) Karinen of Roscommon, MI and Edward Karinen of Tapiola; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2005 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie. In celebration of Keith's new life, a service will be held on Saturday at 12 noon in the church with Rev. John Autio officiating. Interment will be in the Elo Cemetery.

The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.