Ralph E. Anttila, 88, of Mass City, passed away at Marquette General Hospital on May 23, 2011.

He was born in Mass City on December 18, 1922 to Isaac and Maria (Lantta) Anttila. He entered the U.S. Army and served in the European Theater during WWII. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and marched in the Victory Parade with General George Patton.

Ralph enjoyed hunting during his younger years. During hunting season, the house was full of hunters, all telling stories about the one they shot or the one that got away, and there was always deer hanging by the woodshed.

He had a great sense of humor and a hearty laugh. His nieces and nephews all enjoyed listening to "Uncle Ralph's Stories." He loved to tell a story, adding little tidbits that he made up to make the story more interesting. Listening to Uncle Ralph laugh made everybody laugh along with him. We will all miss him dearly.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; 12 siblings: sisters, Hilda (John) Hardy, Amanda (Andy) Olson, Ida (Bill) Tankard, Lempi (Eino) Sten, Rhea (Frank) Saaranen, and Evelyn (Onni) Maki, and brothers, Wilbert, Frank, Richard, Donald, Edwin and Brenolf.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Ralph will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mass City on Thursday, May 26, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon.

Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery immediately after the funeral service, along with Ralph's sister, Evelyn and her husband, Onni Maki, who passed away in March.