Roy A. Kiiskila

Roy A. Kiiskila, age 94, of Redgranite, passed away Friday, January 12, 2018 at Wild Rose Manor after a short illness.

He was born February 23, 1923 in National Mine, Michigan, the son of Henry and Fanny (Heikkila) Kiiskila.   He married Sally Dagmar Uoti on August 25, 1945 in Waukegan, IL.  Sally preceded him in death in 2005.

Roy served his country in United States Army Air Corp 83rd Troop Carrier Squadron during WWII in England and France.  Roy and his brothers had a praying mother.  Five other brothers also served in WWII and Korea, all returned home alive.  He received his education at Suomi College, Hancock, MI. and Illinois State in Normal, IL.  With his teaching degree he taught 30 years at West Chicago High School, Illinois.  They hosted foreign exchange students and Vietnamese immigrants.  Roy and Sally then moved to rural Redgranite, becoming fondly known as “Mr. Finland” and the “Yooper”, going forward daily with his Finnish “SISU”.  Roy worked another 10 years as a CNA in home care and at Berlin Juliet Manor.  He lived his faith in Christ through his caring and friendly spirit, loving people well.  He attended Crossroads Family Church, Wautoma.  He was a member of the Redgranite meal site gang and “Berlin singers”. His time spent with friends taking sauna were a highlight of his last years.

Roy is survived by his daughter, Jerri Hodson, Sun City, AZ.; one son, Gary (Ellen) Kiiskila, Wautoma; seven grandchildren, Lori (Ken), Amy, Aaron, Hans (Amy), Levi, Peter (Vibeke) and Sarah; 11 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; his brother, Paul Kiiskila, Round Lake, IL and one sister, Ellen Mueller, Champion, MI. Roy is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Norman Roy, 6 brothers and one sister.

A family gathering will be held later this spring to honor and remember Roy’s life.  A special thank you to local V.S.O. Bill and Dawn D., V.A. Health Care, Wild Rose Hospital, Wild Rose Manor staff, Southern Care Hospice, Pastor Al and Pastor Andy for their kindness and help.