Carl R. Lahti, M.D., beloved husband, father, and healer of many, went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2011. He fought a hard, yearlong battle after suffering a heart attack.

Carl was born in Iron River, Michigan on December 31, 1924, the youngest son of Waino and Augusta Lahti.

"Bob" (as he was known to many) became a physician because the Army wanted doctors. His education included The Citadel in 1943, Washington & Lee in 1944, serving as an orderly at Walter Reed Army Hospital in 1945 for General Pershing, and medical school at George Washington University from 1946 to 1949, graduating as a member of the Smith Reed Russell Honor Society. Following medical school, Dr. Lahti worked in Lower Michigan for six months when the opportunity presented itself to return to his beloved U.P. to practice medicine in Ontonagon.

He enjoyed practicing medicine, treating thousands of patients and working in medicine and surgery and all of its branches from 1950 to 2002. Dr. Lahti was in private practice with D.H. Archibald, M.D. in his earlier years, and then with Steven N. Gervae, M.D. from 1975-2002. He was the Chief of Staff at Ontonagon Memorial Hospital for 10 years, served as the Medical Director of the Long Term Care Unit for 20 years, and was the Assistant Medical Examiner for Ontonagon County for 25 years. He also worked as the company physician for White Pine Copper from 1988 to 1996 and cared for patients at the Russell Wood Clinic in White Pine from 1996 to 1998.

Dr. Lahti enjoyed many interests outside his professional life, including the hospitality business, farming and cattle ranching, and extensive travel. He was a guitarist with a country music group, played the piano by ear, and was a great tennis player. One of his favorite adventures was as Captain of The Hukilau, making many memorable trips on Lake Superior with his mates or with his family. He also enjoyed hunting as well as fishing on Lake Superior, small lakes and streams, and enjoyed considerable time at Camp Hiham on Sleeping Bay.

He enjoyed a full life and was always grateful for his time here.

Dr. Lahti was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Toivo and Theodore; sisters, Helmi, Dorothy, and Eva; by the mother of four of his children, Alma E. Lahti; and his beloved granddaughter, Stephanie Lahti.

He married Karen Saari on December 4, 1973 on the Island of Molokai, Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, of 38 years; his children, James (Jennifer) Lahti of Lansing, Robert (Sarah) Lahti of Desert Hot Springs, CA, Susan (James) Kangas of Tucson, AZ, Carol (Larry) Boudreau of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, and Julie Cortright of Houghton. He is also survived by beloved grandchildren, Wendi Lahti of San Francisco, Jessica Harback of Richland, MI, Jon Saindon of Desert Hot Springs, CA, Stacey Segal of Gilbert, AZ, Peggy Kangas of Tucson, AZ, Rebecca and Jamie Boudreau of Cape Breton, and Matthew Strong, Christian and Patrick Cortright of Houghton; great-grandchildren, Trenton and Olivia Segal; Lahti D. Lahti; and those great Labs, Toivo and Musti; and by his brother-in-law Michael (Roberta) Maki of Laurium and sister-in-law Nancy Eliasson of L'Anse.

Dr. Lahti will be missed by all who loved him, learned from him, were healed by him, and by those whose lives were touched by his kindness.

He was very, very proud of his Finnish heritage, "ja se lahtenut kotian taivan" (he has gone home to Heaven).

The family extends special appreciation to the exemplary and caring staff of Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital and Dr. Austin and his staff, as well as to Horizon Home Care for their excellent level of caring. Special thanks are also given to Dr. Lahti's daughter, Susan, for her tender care.

Contributions in Dr. Lahti's memory are suggested to be made to SONCO Ambulance Service.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 25 at 3 p.m. at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Ontonagon. The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may view Dr. Lahti's obituary and leave notes of condolence at www.canefuneralhome.com