John Ivar Keranen, 81 of Traprock Valley and Calumet passed away on Saturday, January 10th, 2015 at UPHealth Systems-Portage.
He was born on August 30, 1933 in Copper City, the son of Oscar and Hannah (Heikkinen) Keranen. He attended the Copper City School. John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict Era, and was stationed in Newfoundland. He sailed on the Great Lakes, worked for Calumet and Hecla until they closed, and worked for many years as a carpenter.
John married Priscilla Anderson on August 11, 1961 in Calumet and they had seventeen children.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his three year old son John Michael, and two infant grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Oscar Marvin, Arthur, Helmi, William, Mary, and four infant brothers.
He is survived by his wife Priscilla; his children, Diana (Glen) Oja of Calumet; Bruce of Copper City; Robert (Elizabeth) of Menahga, MN; Lynn (Thomas) Mortberg of Traprock Valley; Erik (Renee) of Hancock; Joanne (Gary) Johnson of Hartland, MI; Karen (Shane) Crist of Hancock; Andrew (Laura) of Dollar Bay; Sara (James) Kangas of Calumet; Kristine (Eric) Pelli of Beach Park, IL; Aaron (Elizabeth) of Traprock Valley; Jessica (Shawn) McDonald of Calumet; David (Karen) of Traprock Valley; Kenneth (Annette) of Hancock; Anna of Minneapolis, MN; and Lorene (Matthew) Kero of Calumet. He is also survived by 101 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, a sister Shirley Lassila of Laurium; brothers Ray of Hubbell; Roy (Marilyn) of Traprock Valley; Paul (Virginia) of Dassel, MN; George (Kathy) of Laurium; and Michael (Sandra) of Clatskanie, OR; sisters-in-law Myrt Keranen of Cokato, MN and Jean Keranen of Calumet. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, January 13 at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Fulton with Pastor David Taivalkoski officiating, Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Fulton and one hour prior the service at the church.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery.

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