John D. Kolehmainen

Born on March 10, 1948, in Hancock, John was the son of the late John William and Lilly Anna Maria (Ohman) Kolehmainen. He grew up in Klingville and graduated from Chassell High School with the Class of 1966. After briefly attending Soumi College, he earned his teaching degree from Northern Michigan University.

John’s career in education began in 1972 when he joined the Portage Lake Community Classes at Houghton High School. The following year, he began teaching preschool at BHK Child Development, where he would serve for 37 years before retiring in 2010. He also taught Driver’s Education for Houghton Portage Township Schools starting in 1975 and later at Drive America, retiring in 2022. In 1987, John took on a role as an adjunct professor at Soumi College, teaching for several years.

A lover of the outdoors, John enjoyed stream fishing, cross-country skiing, and beach trips. Summer days were often spent on the beach at the Otter River, the Sturgeon River, and Courtney Lake. John was also interested in classic cars; he often visited car shows and car museums in his travels. His passion for travel took him to every state in the continental U.S. as well as Canada and Mexico. In his retirement, John spent winters on the beach in Florida and South Carolina.

John is survived by his children, Jennifer (David) Salo of Chassell, Peter (Hannah) Kolehmainen of Driggs, ID, and Mary (Robert) Hardowa of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ean, Owen, Erick (Lauren), Eli, Joseph, Mary, Lucille, Aidan, and Bella, as well as his great-grandson, Calvin, and a great-granddaughter expected in February.

A memorial service for John will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel. Burial has taken place at the Chassell Cemetery. Friends may visit on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, from 12 noon until the time of the service at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel. To view John’s obituary or share condolences with the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.