Albert M. ‘Al’ Aittama Sr
ESCANABA — Albert M. “Al” Aittama Sr., 86, Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, at OSF St. Francis Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on Jan. 6, 1932 in Calumet, Mich., the second child of Richard and Lillian (Goninan) Aittama. He was raised in Lake Linden where he worked in the gardens and selling produce to local stores
Al graduated from Lake Linden High School in 1951 and then joined the U.S. Navy serving for several years in the Pacific region. He later attended MTU earning a degree in engineering. Al worked for several companies over his career as a mechanical engineer. On Jan. 20, 1968 he married the former Mary Heide and together raised four children.
For many years they operated a day care in their home. In so, they shared in the lives of many children who remain in their hearts forever. Al enjoyed tinkering and fixing all things mechanical. He mostly enjoyed time with his growing family and was a proud father and grandfather. Al was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Escanaba and was a quiet, humble and devoted servant of Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, four children: Heidi (Nathan Kobasic) Aittama, Gretchen (Rick) Henderson, Bert (Lori Gieryk) Aittama and Mary (Joe) Bower, grandchildren: Samantha, Tess, Hailey, Drake and Maggie Henderson, Josie, Jack, Mason and Christina Bower, one brother: Jim (Chris) Aittama and one sister: Sandy (Harry) Cox.
Al was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Richard and Charles Aittama.
A funeral to celebrate the life of Al Aittama will be at 12 p.m. (NOON) on Monday Sept. 24, 2018 at First United Methodist Church (302 S. 6th St., Escanaba, MI 49829) with Rev. Ryan Low Edwardson officiating. Burial will follow services in Lakeview Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name and a memorial will be decided by his family. The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Aittama family.
Please visit the website www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.