Eugene L. Leppiaho

Eugene L. Leppiaho 76, of Crystal Falls, passed away on Saturday, October 28th a Marquette General Hospital. Eugene was born on August 2, 1941 in Chicago, IL, to the late Esther (Pyykola) and Vilho (Bill) Leppiaho. He grew up in Chicago and in the Upper Peninsula. Eugene served in the United States Army and was stationed in Berlin when the wall went up. He eventually called Crystal Falls home. He worked many jobs over the years, his family said he was a workaholic and couldn't sit still and not work for long. He worked and owned his own insulation business in the summer and fall months, then in the fall, winter and spring he was a bus driver and head mechanic for the bus garage at Forest Park Schools until his retirement. Eugene married Cheryl (Robinson) Smokevitch on October 26, 1991, she preceded him in death on August 23, 2013. Eugene was a life time member of the Tufts-Rondin VFW Post 2891 and the Louis Bowman American Legion Post of Crystal Falls. He was active until he went to the Jacobetti Home for Veterans, but still was a proud member. Eugene was an Avid Green Bay Packer and Forest Park Football fan. He was always a good sportsman when it came time to winning or losing. He said it was always about the game. He loved his cribbage games and those that played against him knew how serious he was about it. He was preceded in death by his spouse, parents and three children, Richard Leppiaho, Brian Palmer and Patricia (Patti) Leppiaho. Eugene is survived by his children, KNE Palmer of Arizona, John (Angela) Leppiaho of Green Bay,WI, Joseph (Jachie) Smokevitch of Johannesberg, MI, and Michelle (Keith) Graves of Crystal Falls; grandchildren, Ashley Buell, Kaden Graves, Kaitlyn, Madelyn and Connor Leppiaho, Allison and Joseph Smokevitch, Amanda (Stephen) and Wayne (Angie) Palmer; three great grandchildren, Josh, Bryson and Braylynn; his siblings, Sue (Robert) Sliva and Wayne Leppiaho; sister in law, Judy (Jim) Ritzenhien; brothers in law, William (Kathy) Robinson and Richard (Sarah) Robinson. Also by many nieces, nephews, lifelong friend Joyce Bendick and many more friends and family. The Visitation will be on Thursday, November 2, 2017 from 11:30 am to 1:30pm at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. The Eastside Veterans will conduct Pass In Review honors at 1:15pm. Funeral Services will follow at 1:30pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. Michael Laakko will officiate. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls. Condolences to the family of Eugene Leppiaho can be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.com. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Eugene L. Leppiaho

August 2, 1941 - October 28, 2017