Garry Thomas Jaakkola

Gary Thomas Jaakkola of Brighton passed into eternal life on Monday March 10 , 2025. He was born on August 15, 1942, in Houghton, Michigan. Gary is the son of Hubert and Meimi (Sormunen) Jaakkola. He is survived by his Wife of 57 years, Sandra (Johnson) Jaakkola. Son, Thomas (Melissa) Jaakkola, Daughter, Kara Wieland, Grandchildren; Dylan Wieland, Camryn Wieland, Macy Wieland, Zachary Jaakkola, Wyatt Jaakkola and Owen Jaakkola. His sister, Diane (Paul) Makela, Brother, Wayne (Jackie) Jaakkola, Brother-in-law, Michael (Mary) Johnson, Sister-in-Law, Lynn (John) Mocan and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Donald Jaakkola and Sister, Nona (Dick) Osborne, Brother-in-law Patrick (Karen) Johnson. Gary graduated from Chassell High School in 1961, where he was a member of the men’s basketball team for four years. Earning state championships in 1957 and 1958 with the longest winning streak of 65 straight wins. After high school Gary served his country in the US Navy on the USS Enterprise and went on to spend 39.5 years as a pipefitter for GM at the Willow Run Hydromantic plant. In his free time Gary enjoyed spending time at the family camp in the Upper Peninsula and traveling to Florida for the winter. Gary enjoyed woodworking, being outdoors, hunting, riding his bike, bowling and golfing. Most of all Gary enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Post, L’Anse, Michigan on Tuesday, May 27 , 2025. A private internment will take place at L’Anse Cemetery

Family and Friends are invited to celebrate Gary’s Life on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 10:30am -1:30 pm, luncheon 11:30am at the American Legion Post #144, 115 N. Front Street, L’Anse, MI

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