Michael L. Lehto

Michael L. Lehto, 82 of St.Ignace passed away at 9:10 pm tuesday evening at Mackinac Straits Hospital. He was born December 30,1935 in Aura,Michigan near L'Anse to John and Katherine (Sikarski) Lehto. Mike graduated from LaSalle High School and spent 11 years in the Marine Corp leaving with a rank of Major. He spent time in Okinawa, and Quantico, VA and Japan. After spending his time in service he received a Masters Degree in Education, and taught elementary education, and served the St.Ignace School District as Principal of the McCann School many years until retirement. Mr. Lehto, as the kids always knew him was a great teacher of physical education and respect, even in early elementary. He loved to Hunt and Fish, and passed that on to students. He was Commander of the ST.Ignace American Legion Post, and a special speaker with great influence at Memorial Day festivities, and many graveside services of his comrades.Mike was a very special person, and well respected by those who knew him. He was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in St.Ignace. Mike married Barbara Anderson on October 15,1960 in Fredericsburg, Virginia, and she survives. Also a loving family, daughter, Cynthia and Mike Schneider, New Milford,Conn; Lt.Col Ret Michael and Connie, Lehto, in Germany; Andrew and Nancy Lehto, Spokane,Washington, and 7 grandchildren. and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Katheine Babcock, and a niece Cassie. At his request cremation has taken place. A Memorial service will be held on Memorial Day weekend at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. David Tielbar officiating. Military rites will be held at Gros Cap Cemetery. Dodson Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Those wishing to remember Mike may make donations to the St.Ignace Community Foundation; The Humane Society or the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available from Dodson Funeral Home, 240 Mcann Street,St.Ignace MI 49781. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 26 at Zion Lutheran Church at noon. with visitation from 10 am to service time. No military rites at cemetery, as everything will be at church. The St.Ignace American Legion will perform rites with the Viet Nam Honor Guard frm Sault Ste Marie also presenting gun salute.

Tributes

Michael L. Lehto

February 6, 2018