Erick I. RIEKKOLA, Sr.
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Erick I. RIEKKOLA, Sr.

  • July 3, 1924 - August 9, 2011
  • Marquette, Michigan
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“Dear Rachel, Scott & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will do him proud celebrating him home. You are in my thoughts and prayer. ...Read More » ”
1 of 12 | Posted by: Jayne - Nashville, TN

“Rick, Richard, Rob, and Rachel - My sincere condolences for the loss of FaFa Kola. He was a great man and I always loved listening to all his...Read More » ”
2 of 12 | Posted by: Kristi Hovind - Ada, MI

“Dear Riekkola Family: Our heartfelt condolences... Your father was a wonderful man. I have so many good memories... I always felt welcomed in your...Read More » ”
3 of 12 | Posted by: Steve Cutforth - Cincinnati, OH

“Richard and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. We are in WI and unable to attend his celebration of life. Please know that you...Read More » ”
4 of 12 | Posted by: Greg LaCombe - Munising, MI

“Greetings Rich and the Riekkola family, My very best wishes and my prayers in this difficult time. Lee ”
5 of 12 | Posted by: Lee Oberto - Houghton, MI

“To the Riekkola family. I am sorry for your loss your father was a very nice man. Great friend to my parents. You are in my thoughts during this...Read More » ”
6 of 12 | Posted by: Bill Blohm - Marquette, MI

“When I think of Mr. Riekkola I think of a kind word being said to me or a tidbit of information he had to share. I remember him laughing when my bike...Read More » ”
7 of 12 | Posted by: Lynne Mestnik - Marquette, MI

“My prayers are with you and your family. Dad went on to be with Mom. They are both looking down smiling. Warm regards, Dionnie, Danielle...Read More » ”
8 of 12 | Posted by: Dionnie S. Wynter - MI

“Rachel and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May cherished memories bring you comfort and peace during this...Read More » ”
9 of 12 | Posted by: Julie (Mussatto) Blemberg - MI

“Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. Your Mom and Dad were the dearest of friends with my parents. I loved when they just happened to...Read More » ”
10 of 12 | Posted by: Andrea Hemmila Viar - Humboldt, TN

“What can I say guys but I sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am sorry I won't be able to be with you on Monday, I will be gone to...Read More » ”
11 of 12 | Posted by: Rob Bell - Marquette, MI

“Condolences from the Boyer family on your loss. Mr.Riekkola took me on my first aircraft flight when he,Rob and I went to Iron Mountain to ferry the...Read More » ”
12 of 12 | Posted by: Gary Boyer - Marquette, MI


Erick I. Riekkola, Sr., 87, of College Avenue, Marquette, passed away Tuesday evening, August 9, 2011 at the Norlite Nursing Center with his loving family at his side. Mr. Riekkola was born on July 3, 1924 in Ishpeming, Michigan, a son of the late Ilmari and Tynne(Selin)Riekkola. He was a 1943 graduate of Rock High School. Erick was then drafted to serve his country during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corp from 1943 through 1946. After the war, Erick received his aviation training at the Spartan School of Aeronautics/Aviation. He was employed by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for 30 years as chief corporate pilot, retiring in 1984. Erick loved the outdoors especially spending time with his children and grandchildren at the family cottage on Farmer's Lake. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He is survived by four children, Erick Riekkola, Jr. of Marquette, Richard Riekkola of Lansing, MI, Robert Riekkola of Ada, MI and Rachel (Scott) Sertich of Negaunee; three grandchildren, Brooke Riekkola, Robert and Thomas Sertich; also one step-brother, Ray (Doreen) Pajula of Marquette. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Alice Riekkola on July 29, 2003. Visitation will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Monday, August 15th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick officiating. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Norlite Nursing Center Activities Fund, 701 Homestead, Marquette, MI 49855. Erick's family would like to thank the staff of the Norlite Nursing Center for their kind, compassionate and vigilant care of Erick over the last two years. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com