Floyd Takala,

CRYSTAL FALLS - Floyd William Takala, 66, of Crystal Falls, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls after a lengthy battle with multiple cancers. Floyd was born in Crystal Falls to Gus and Hilja Lillian Takala. He went to school at Forest Park, later finishing his education at Northern Michigan University for machine tool operator. He married the former Alma Ranta of Alpha in 1961. She preceded him in death in 2008. He later married the former Mary Hall of Iron River on Nov. 24, 1973. He worked at the Barber Coleman factory in Rockford, Ill. for many years. He later worked at the Grede Foundry in Kingsford and they made their home in Crystal Falls Dunn Location. Floyd and Mary were married 35 years. Floyd worked many different jobs over his lifetime, dedicating himself to each one. His favorites were working for his brother Phillip in Rockford, delivering newspapers for The Daily News, and working for J and J Security at the former AGA sawmill. Often Floyd worked multiple jobs at one time. Floyd retired in 1995. Floyd's life centered around his family. He loved to spend time with his three children, teaching them about the finer things in life such as fishing, hunting, camping, traveling and the fine art of the rummage sale. Floyd was known for his rummage sale treasures and the story that he told getting his prize. He later taught his grandchildren as much as he taught his children. Floyd was a fun loving person that loved to tell stories and be near the people he cared about. Floyd is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Floyd Takala Jr. and John Ranta of Florence Wis.; a daughter, Jeananne (Louis) Feak of Crystal Falls; grandchildren, Kimberly and Andrew Spigarelli, John Ranta Jr. and Marie (Charles) Olson of Pembine, Wis.; great-grandchildren, Pacey and Lillian Olson; his brothers, Phillip of Rockford, and Ralph (Donna) of Crystal Falls; sisters, Velma (Clifford) Penney and Liala Henry, both of Rockford; sister-in-law, Ruby Takala of Crystal Falls; many nieces and nephews and one very special kindred spirit, Howard Freghetto of Iron River. He was preceded in death by one brother, Matthew Takala and sisters, Vienno Bombolis, Nancy Takala, and one infant sister, Lilly Takala. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. Funeral services will follow Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Dick Kreider will officiate. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, a memorial for cancer patients in Iron County will be set up. Condolences may be expressed online for Floyd Takala Sr. at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.

Floyd Takala,

February 25, 2009