Towner E. Lehto

Towner E. Lehto, 99 of Crystal Falls, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls. He was born on November 28, 1916 in the family home on Swan Lake in Crystal Falls, son of the late Hjalmer and Mary (Seppala) Lehto. He attended the Crystal Falls schools, graduating from Crystal Falls High School in 1935. He went on to attend Bryan Stratton Business College pursuing an Accounting Degree. Towner enlisted in the United States Army on April 24, 1941 during WWII, and was Honorably discharged on November 1, 1943. He married Agnes Wierikko on December 23, 1944 in Waukegan, Illinois and they have spent nearly 72 wonderful years together. While in Waukegan, he went to work for Montgomery Ward's and then Johnson Motor. He and his wife Agnes moved to Swan Lake in 1949 where they opened and owned and operated the Swan Lake Grocery Store for 10 years. He then owned and operated Lehto's Cabins from 1966 to 1986. He then went to work as a Sales Representative and Consultant for Met Life Insurance, retiring on March 3, 1979 after 22 years of service. During his years with Met Life, Towner traveled to New York City twice, to receive two different Presidential Awards for bench marks earned while selling life insurance for the company. Towner was a long time faithful member of the United Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir many, many years. He was also a member of the Crystal Falls Lodge #385 Free and Accepted Masons where he served as Past Master, and was named "Mason of the Year" in 1986. He was also a member of the Ancient Scottish Rite, life member of the Waukegan Federation of Musicians, and life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He also served as vice chairman of the Iron County Authority on Aging, and a board member of the Iron County Music Club. In his free time Towner could be found bowling, hunting, or fishing. His true passion for much of his life was music, especially playing the accordion. He sang with the Ironland Miner Chords Barbershop Chorus, and with the Raja-Ryhma Club (the Border Club in English) in the Mid Summer Celebration at Champion Park in Quinnesec for many years. In his later years he traveled between the Iron County Medical Care Facility, the Iron River Nursing Home, and the VA Medical Center playing his accordion to the delight of its many residents. He traveled to Finland twice in his lifetime, spending time with family there touring areas where his family had resided. Towner is survived by his loving wife, Agnes Lehto of Crystal Falls;3 sons, Glenn (Cynthia) Lehto of Swan Lake, Crystal Falls, David (Susan) Lehto of Crystal Falls, and Raymond Lehto of Crystal Falls; grandchildren, Danielle, Matthew, Michael and Tony; a great granddaughter, Hailey He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Toivo Lehto; and 2 sister, Signe Pierantoni and Toini Hardt Private family services were held at Towner's request. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls. In lieu of flowers a memorial was established in his memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Towner E. Lehto online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Towner E. Lehto

November 28, 1916 - July 17, 2016