Martin Kaurala, 99, of Mass City died on Monday, May 10, at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital Long Term Care Unit.

Martin John Kaurala was born September 8, 1910, in Mass City, son of the late Isaac and Olga Kaurala. He attended the country school through grade 8, and graduated from Greenland Township High School with the class of 1929.

During the Depression years he worked on the family farm and as a deliveryman for the Mass Cooperative Company. He was one of thousands of citizens who collected signatures for enactment of Social Security legislation, unemployment compensation, and collective bargaining by unions.

Martin proudly served in the U.S. Army from December 1942 to November 1945. His Ordinance Company spent two of the three years in Western Europe. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, serving in various offices.

Following his honorable discharge, Martin completed a correspondence course in accounting. He was employed as a bookkeeper by the Mass Coop Co. and served the Coop in many capacities throughout the years. He was a member of the Board of Directors that facilitated the dissolution of the Coop and distribution of its assets to its former patrons.

Martin married the former Aune Aho on June 26, 1948. They made their home in the Mass City area. Martin was employed by J & H Welding Company of Baraga prior to his retirement.

Martin was an avid reader and student of history and economics. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and memories through his writings. Many of them may be found in the archives of Michigan Tech and Finlandia University. Other hobbies that he enjoyed were hunting, fishing, and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Aune, a daughter, Helen, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Reino, and sisters, Anna Croucher, Ina Maki, and Pearl King.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 13, at 2:00 at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon. Visitation will begin at 1:00. Dr. Earl B. Kaurala will officiate. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland. Friends may view Martin's obituary and leave condolences at canefuneralhome.com.