GREEN, Mich. - Carl Aho, 88, of Green, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2009, at Cypress Manor in Hancock.

Carl was born in Green on January 11, 1921, to John and Minnie Aho, the youngest of three children. He grew up there and attended the Carp Lake Township Schools.

Carl served his country in the United States Navy and as a young man, went to Bakersfield, Calif. to work as a caterpillar and truck driver in the potato and cotton fields. He came back home to Michigan often and on August 27, 1951, married Helen Utter, also of Green. She predeceased him on October 26, 1992.

They lived in California until 1953 when they returned and built their home on Duck Creek in Green.

Carl went to work driving heavy equipment for Clarence Minnart during the rebuilding of White Pine as it is today. He then worked for Copper Range and White Pine Copper Company until he retired.

Carl and Helen raised their two daughters in Green where he enjoyed the outdoors. Many hours were spent gardening, hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling and visiting with his many relatives and friends who kept him young and happy. He was a great story teller and will be deeply missed. He was affectionately called the "Mayor of Green."

Besides his wife, he was predeceased by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Leo Molaski; a brother and sister-in-law, Reino and Florence Aho; two sisters-in-law, Karen Rogers and Geri Trainer; a nephew, Dennis Aho; and a son-in-law, Joseph Banaszak.

Carl is survived by his two daughters, Karlene Banaszak of Britt, Minn. and Karol (Ron) Mauno of Houghton; grandchildren, Danielle and Krista Banaszak and Molly Joe and Abby Mauno; two sisters-in-law, Jeannette (John) Marley and Patsy (Robert) White; and a brother-in-law, Mike (Mary) Utter. Surviving nieces and nephews include Jerry (Marilyn) Hokkanen, Susan Myllymaki, Gary (Avis) Aho, Midge Axley, Larry (Billy Jo) Johns, Jill (Scott) Gibson, Bruce White, Amanda and Annie Utter, Amber and Alfred Trainer; and a host of other relatives and friends.

At his wish, Carl was cremated.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7, at 2 p.m. at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon with Pastor David Webber officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the start of the service.

Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Ontonagon.