Paul Fred Lahti

Paul Fred Lahti, age 71 of L'Anse, MI passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette, MI.

Paul was born August 21, 1938 in Herman, MI, son of Fred J. and Irja E. (Autio) Lahti. He grew up in Herman on the small family farm and graduated from L'Anse High School in 1958. Paul remained attached to Herman through his dedicated work on the Herman Hall and as sexton of the Herman Cemetery.

He worked in the grocery store business for several years before becoming a carpenter. Upon retirement he served as a caretaker for the Martin family in Herman.

Paul married Barbara Brunet on December 27, 1975 at which point he inherited a family of stepchildren of whom he was enormously proud of.

He was a talented craftsman, cook and baker. In 2001 he was honored at Michigan State University as "Folk Artist of the Year" in weaving. He loved the woods, the flowers and the birds, exploring the out-of-doors, canoeing, fishing and classical music.

Paul was a member of the United Lutheran Church, 32nd Degree Mason, past Master of the Lodge #547 F & AM and served as Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star Maplewood Chapter #511 for many years.

Surviving are his step children, Christine (James) Collins, Thomas (Susan) Brunet, Joan (Fred) Teddy all of L'Anse, and Catherine Brunet of Marquette; brother S. Kenneth (Dorothy) Lahti of Albert Lea, MN; sister Donna M. Lahti of Pt. Abbaye, MI; seven step grandchildren; 11 step great grandchildren; niece Kristi Lahti-Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, nephew Michael Lahti of Bloomington, IN; favorite aunt Lillian (Raymond) Jolgren of Pelkie; and his dear friend Cindy Martin Coleman of Michigamme.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife Barbara; and step son Gerald Brunet.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 17th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home. The Eastern Star Maplewood Chapter #511 will conduct at service at 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service immediately following; Rev. Judy Mattson officiating. Burial will be in the Herman Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Herman Hall Historical Society. The Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Paul's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.