Henry "Jake" Leinonen, retired Great Lakes Ship Captain, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2013. He was born January 3, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan to August and Martha (Tarkka) Leinonen.

Jake grew up in the Upper Peninsula area, graduating from Ontonagon High School in 1947. Upon graduation, he joined the Marine Corps, serving until 1951. He was stationed in Washington DC. After his honorable discharge he became a merchant seaman working for the American Steamship company until his retirement in 1990.

During his retirement Jake enjoyed golf, bowling and cribbage with his many friends. He was also a passionate fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions and enjoyed watching games with his buddies. Jake enjoyed his early retirement years traveling to New Zealand and Australia as well as traveling through most of the United States.

Jake was a long time member of the Ontonagon Golf Club and enjoyed spending his summers golfing and socializing with all his good friends there. He will be sadly missed by everyone at "Jakes 19th Hole" where he will forever be fondly remembered.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ernest. He is survived by his sister, Lucille (Robert) Hamilton; his nieces Kathy (Larry) Esser and Margie Hamilton; nephew Bill Hamilton; his great-nieces, Michelle (Joe , Natalie and Melanie Esser and many friends, especially John and Sandy Monville and Lynn and Dave Distel who took loving care of Jake during his final days.

Cremation has taken place and a private burial will be September 28 at the Agate Cemetery in Trout Creek. A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Ontonagon Golf Club.

In lieu of monetary gifts and flowers, donations may be made in Jake's memory to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association, 704 Pebble Beach Drive, Ontonagon, MI 49953.