Thomas Marttila

Tom was born September 20, 1947 in Hancock, MI, to the late Oscar S. and Lillian I. (Ylitalo) Marttila. As a child he grew up and learned how to work on the Liminga Farm. Tom graduated from Houghton High School in 1965. He would often talk about playing hockey and football for the Gremlins. The Copper Bowl versus Hancock was special to him. Tom attended Michigan Technological University. While in school Tom joined the United States Navy because he wanted “to see the world”. He served on the USS Catamount and was honorably discharged. Tom was also in the Army National Guard Reserves for 21 years and, again, was honorably discharged. On August 19, 1972 he was united in marriage to Carrie Edith Cooney at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Houghton. Carrie preceded him in death on November 13, 2010. Tom graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry in 1973. The couple made their home and raised two children in Iron Mountain after residing in Escanaba, Grayling, and Niagara. Tom worked for Mead Paper, Niagara Paper Mill, Minerick Logging, Nickels Logging, and later had his own timber cruising business. Tom loved to be in the woods.

Tom was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain where he worked the Saturday Night Bingo for many years. Tom enjoyed his time at hunting camp, elk hunting trips to Idaho, fishing trips to Isle Royal, family trips to Florida, bowling in local leagues, attending Labor Day Baseball in Channing, and camping on the Otter River with Carrie.

Along with Carrie, Tom loved and cherished his Mountaineer Family. He lived for watching his sons and grandchildren play sports for the Mountaineers. The relationship he had with Ian and Ava made his life so fulfilling to the end. It was a gift from God!

Also preceding him in death was a brother, Gerald Marttila, brothers and sisters-in-law, Geraldine Cooney, Luella Latvis, Daniel Cooney, Warren and Kathy Mattson.

Surviving are his children, Daniel Lee and Robin Allen (Jennifer) Marttila, both of Iron Mountain; two grandchildren, Ian Thomas and Ava Jane; one brother-in-law, Ross Cooney of Green Bay and two sisters-in-law, Laverne Marttila of Lynchburg, VA and Sandy Cooney of Houghton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Your family and friends will miss you!

Tom “lived it”. There were no regrets. Tom’s family is at peace knowing that he is reunited in Heaven with his loving wife, his only brother, and parents. God has a plan for us all.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 30 from 3 – 6 pm at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A springtime burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory.

Condolences to the family of Thomas J. Marttila can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes. com

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.