"Geno Parlato / General Manager of Red Fox Run Golf Course Paul was an active member of our Golf Course for many years. He gave up golf to care for his mother, which in a nutshell describes the great person and son Paul was. The family donated Paul\'s golf equipment to our facility, so others could continue to share Paul\'s interest in the game of golf. We are very thankful to the family for donating Paul\'s golf equipment."
In loving memory of
PAUL C. KARJALA
January 16, 1959 - March 20, 2019
Paul Karjala, 60, of Gwinn, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.
He was born January 16, 1959 in Ishpeming to the Rev. Ahti and Mrs. Selma Karjala. Paul was a kind and gentle soul who always had a big smile for everyone he met and was well known in the Gwinn area. He was very proud of his service in the US Army in the 1st Infantry Division in Germany in the late 1970s.
He was active with the Little Lake American Legion post where he had served as the SAL chaplain and also had been active with their honor guard. He was a prolific artist and bestowed many of his very original pencil drawings upon family and friends. Paul will be deeply missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and oldest brother, Duane. He is survived by his brothers, Dave and John of Gwinn, Philip (Kathryn Hager) of Rhinelander, WI, Marty (Dorothy) of Gakona AK; sister, Kathy Grau (Bill) of Defiance, OH and sister-in-law, Mary Karjala as well as three nieces, one nephew and their families.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 29 at 2 p.m. in the Canale Gwinn Funeral Home in Gwinn with the Rev. Bre Kinnunen of Grace Lutheran Church officiating. The Karjala family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 12 Noon Friday until the time of the service in the funeral home. Spring burial will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred in lieu of other expressions of sympathy to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 22, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Pauls memory.
His obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
Tributes
"I remember Paul, he was a faithful son to his mom Selma. We would see them in church every Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn. Paul made the most beautiful cards with his art and scriptures and words of thankfulness and blessings. He was a quiet man but always kind when he spoke. He will be missed. Joy Wrate"
"I remember Paul very kindly. I also remember how well he took care of his mother until she passed away, not too many years ago. I remember the memorable memorial service Paul and the family planned for Selma. I first met Ahti and Selma about 75 years ago, before they were married. Then there were many years of separation until your dad accepted a call to the Negaunee church, of which my husband and I were members. I have worshiped with Selma and Paul for many years at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn. May God bless each of you with love and faith in the years to come. Linnea Werner, Teal Lake, Senior Assisted Living, Negaunee, MI"
"i mostly knew Paul when he was a little boy. I last saw him at Selma's Funeral and I remember how very gracious he was at that time. His family will miss his wonderful spirit ."
"We will miss staying with Paul at the camp, on our way up to Bruce Crossing. Sharing pizza and beer while he showed us all the new renovations he was having done to his camp. Bruce K"
"Remembering a cousin with such a caring heart. Paul was such a great help and companion for his Mother for so many years. We will miss his wonderful Christmas cards personally drawn by Cousin Paul. We will continue to pray for strength and guidance for the rest of our cousins from the Karjala family at this time of sorrow. I think of you cousins often and reminiscence on the times I have gotten to know each of you in the later years as I was one of the youngest of us cousins. I especially remember Paul when a young boy in Detroit growing up when Auntie and Uncle would come up from Ohio. Paul being the ventriloquist he was at that time, many laughs with him then and in later years when we could visit each other. Many trips to Hancock to bring his Mom to be with her sisters gatherings and the times in Gwinn. May God be with you at this time and in the coming years. With my love, Cousin Curtis Lampinen and family, Wife Karen, children - logan, Kally, Lacy and Talon"
"I remember visiting as children driving long distances and spending a few days enjoying family time. It has been years since seeing Paul however every time we had those shared moments I am thankful to have memories of cousins who love each other and a family who love the Lord. Denise and John Rantala Alberta Canada. Our prayers are with the family as you say good bye."
"Paul was a great neighbor we will miss our summer visits rest in peace Paul Terry and Apryle Black"