Norman F. Ruuspakka

Norman Frederick Ruuspakka, age 81 of Pelkie passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital following a 1 A½ year courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on November 27, 1919 in Pelkie to William and Sophia (Haarala) Ruuspakka. Norman married Sylvia Saari in Elo on August 15, 1942. He attended the Gidding school in Pelkie and later assumed operation of the family dairy farm which he and his wife operated for more than 45 years.

Norman was a member of the Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie. He had been a member of the Cooper Country Dairy Cooperative and was a trustee on the Laird Township Board. He had also been employed by the Pelkie COOP Building Supply and Lakeview Lumber in L'Anse. In 1993, he and his wife were the recipients of the Baraga County Fair Pioneer Farmer Award. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the outdoors and being with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sylvia of Pelkie; daughter Sandra (George) Sheffler of Fremont, MI; son, Dennis (Sandy) Ruuspakka of Pelkie; grandchildren, Rebecca Sheffler of Fort Myers, FL, 1st Lt. Keith Sheffler (USMC) of Jacksonville, NC, Kyle Ruuspakka of Baraga, Kedrin Ruuspakka of Mt. Pleasant, MI; several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by two sisters, Jennie Paavola and Elizabeth Arens, and brothers, Edward, William, Waino, Andrew, and Richard.

The Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 14 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mission United Lutheran Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Church. Rev. Michael Laakko will officiate. Burial will be in the Pelkie Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Mission United Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.