KINGSFORD, Mich. – Lee E. “Skip” Erkkila, 70, of Kingsford, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Dickinson County Healthcare System, Iron Mountain.

He was born December 8, 1945, in Ishpeming, Mich. son of the late Lee E. and Marjorie (Piper) Erkkila.

Skip moved around a lot as a child due to his father’s occupation as a salesman. He attended high school in Okemos and participated in football and basketball; he graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, Class of 1964. Skip excelled in sports most of his life, he enjoyed adult league softball in Montana. He married Joann Vonderhaar on August 1, 1970, in Des Moines. He worked in Montana for 9 years as a mechanic, service writer and sales in the parts department. Skip and Joann moved to Norway and later to Kingsford. While residing in the area he worked in sales for several area businesses including Smeester Trucking and Schultz Equipment.

He was a Boy Scout leader while living in Montana for Troop No. 27 and coached Little League in Norway. Skip enjoyed coaching and working with children. He enjoyed wood working and eventually began making frames for Ryan’s artwork, other students artwork and school graduation pictures. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, was very involved with the Norway Car Club and was influential in organizing the first car show; he was known for his 1923 T-Bucket. Skip loved cars all of his life and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Skip is survived by his wife, Joann of Kingsford; two sons, Jason (Christine) Erkkila of Loretto and Ryan (Stacy) Erkkila of Norway; one brother, Forrest (Mary) Erkkila of Kingsford; one sister-in-law, Bev (John) McCole of Iron Mountain and three grandchildren, Carlee, Brian and Ava.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 28, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. Prayers will be recited Tuesday, March 29, 2016, 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Queen of Peace, Kingsford .Rev. Fr. Michael Woempner will officiate.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain to honor Skip’s Legacy of Life.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Skip or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.