Albert Savola

Albert Savola loved life and lived it fully within his family and community. He strongly believed in God, freedom, the constitution, and citizens' rights. He was very proud of the country his parents moved to and made his home.

Albert was born in the decade of the Roaring Twenties when Flapper fashions invaded the social scene. Jazz was hot, Vaudeville was going strong, and the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting on the radio. Charles Lindbergh made his historic transatlantic flight and women won the right to vote in a national election. Thanks to Henry Ford and mass production, the automobile was more affordable at $290. It was in the home town of Ford Motor Company that Albert was born to Albert and Lydia Savola on October 1, 1925. His parents had moved from Finland to Canada before settling in Detroit, Michigan in the early 1900's. Albert and his sister Edith and his brothers Henry, Arthur, and Edward shared a proud Finnish heritage even as they lived a life that was truly "Motown". While Albert's mother was kept busy in the home, his father went to work for Ford Motor Company as a tool and die maker. He was proud of his ties with Ford Motor and passed his loyalty on to his children. In time, all of Albert's siblings would work for Ford Motor Company.

The Savolas were true Detroit-ers. When he was young, Albert walked to the Vernors' Ginger Ale plant (another Detroit original) to buy a Vernors for a nickel. With his father, Albert often walked around the Hudson 's building and took in several baseball games at Tiger Stadium. Albert attended Henry Ford Trade School (high school) where he learned a skilled craft and played football. While in school, Albert had the distinction of being disciplined by Henry Ford with a whack on the knuckles with a ruler. All that training and discipline paid off when Albert graduated as a Tool and Die Maker in 1944.

After graduation, Albert went into the US Navy and became a "Plank Owner" of the USS Oriskany C.V.A. 34. He served in combat in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. For his loyalty and bravery, Albert was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal-4 Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, China Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal as well as the Navy E. Medal. Having served so nobly, Albert received his discharge from a grateful nation and returned home.

While staying in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Albert met a young woman through his sister, Edith. In some ways Nelda Abrams was Albert's opposite, yet they enjoyed a compatibility that let them know they wanted to build a future together. They both loved being around people and took care of anyone who needed their help. On this foundation, Albert and Nelda were married on December 18, 1954 and raised a family of two sons, Leslie and Thomas, and two daughters, Marcy and Sheila. Albert and Nelda were the hub of family life and loved family gatherings. The bar and resort they owned in Merriweather, Michigan , called the Hoop-n-Holler, was a place where family and friends met for memorable times together. Albert became a licensed gunsmith and spent time hunting and fishing. He looked forward to a yearly get-away to the "Shack" to hunt with the boys.

Albert was a wonderful parent who promoted education, good morals, and community involvement. He served on the Bergland Community School Board as President; the Bergland Township Board as Township Supervisor; the Ontonagon County Road Commission as member and Board President; the Board of Directors of the County Road Association of Michigan; and the Upper Peninsula Road Builders' Association as President. Albert was also certified by the State of Michigan as an F-3 water treatment plant operator, an S-3 water distribution system operator, and a C2B waste water treatment operator. The Westinghouse Corporation had certified Albert in small steam and gas turbines for operation and maintenance. Albert also completed many technical courses in both the military and private sectors. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 67 of Ontonagon, Michigan and the Masonic Scottish Rite Valley of Marquette. In addition to being a member of the American Legion Post 562 in Bergland, Michigan , Albert was also a Chaplain. By his service, it was apparent that Albert led by example.

When Albert retired from the White Pine Copper Company of White Pine, MI - where he had been a Power Plant Shift Engineer since 1954 and later the Power Plant Superintendent until 1989 - it only meant he had more time to spend with family and friends. He and Nelda especially enjoyed their trips to Reno, Nevada . Sadly, on January 20, 1994, Nelda passed away and the family had to rely on one another for strength. In the months following Nelda's death, her sister Arlene and Albert became close companions. On April 30, 1994, Albert and Arlene Butler of Portland, Oregon were married and Albert's family grew once more, adding six step children to the fold. And once again, Albert could travel to Reno to visit family and friends...now with Arlene. Over the years, Albert also enjoyed the companionship of pets. Since 1962, he had a dachshund named Bizmark who lived to be 17 years old. More recently his daughter Sheila shared her two dogs, Rusty and Kayla, with Albert who was a friend to all.

Albert leaves a legacy of honor, loyalty, and compassion. He will be dearly missed and remembered fondly by his beloved family and cherished friends.

Albert Savola, age 80 of Ypsilanti, MI , passed away on Monday, March 20, 2006. He is survived by wife, Arlene, Portland, OR, two sons, Leslie (Wendy) of Bergland, MI, Thomas (Dorla) of Sebring, FL, two daughters, Marcy (Norman) of Tucson, AZ, and Sheila (Scott) of Ypsilanti, MI; six step-children, Bonnie Scott, Cheryl Barrier, Nelda Dietch, Glen Butler Jr. and Norman Butler, all who live on the West Coast, as well as ten grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his step-daughter Janyce Butler. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Ypsilanti Dialysis staff and to the Phoenix Lodge for their care and support. The family will receive friends at the Nie Family Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road , on Thursday, March 23, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A life celebration service will be held on Friday, March 24, at the funeral home at 11:00 AM with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.