Francis Edward Luoto

Francis “Frank” Luoto passed away peacefully on May 29, 2021 at the age of 72 in his home in Ontonagon, Michigan. In his battle with cancer over the last several years, Frank’s sisu prevailed until the end. 

            Frank grew up in Elo with his sister Donna and parents Edward and Elma. They farmed and did all other jobs associated with homesteading in rural Houghton County in the mid-1900s. Frank graduated from John A. Doelle School in Tapiola in 1967. After a short time working in Detroit, the call of home and the woods was too much for Frank. He moved back home and started working various jobs in the woods.

            In February of 1971 Frank met Patti, the love of his life, at the Teen Center in Ontonagon. The whirlwind romance progressed rapidly, and Frank knew he had to make his own way in the world. In 1972 he bought his first skidder, started his own logging business, and married his true love. 

            In 1977 Frank and Patti moved to Ontonagon. By now they had their first two children, Cory and Keri. In 1980, they moved into the house on Firesteel Road and have resided here ever since. Frank and Patti brought three more children into the family, Jodi, Emily and Erin. 

            After a several decades long partnership in the woods with John Amos, Frank continued running his own business until the early 2000’s. Frank then spent several years operating skidder for different contractors.     

            Frank loved working in his garden and yard, tinkering in his garage, and spending time with his wife and family. He was always up for a good came of cribbage and you would need to be at the top of your game to beat him!

            Frank was preceded in death by his father Edward, mother Elma, and infant daughter Jodi. 

            He is survived by his wife Patricia; son Cory, his wife Heather, and their children Lyla and Mikka; his daughter Keri Zouareg, and her children Armand and Isabella; daughter Emily Loy, her husband Michael, and their children Olivia, Charlotte, and Josephine; and daughter Erin. He also is survived by his sister Donna Laramore.

            Frank will be honored with a service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ontonagon on Monday, June 7th. Visitation will begin at 12:00 and the service will follow at 1:00. Pastor Howard Neider will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, please send condolences and remembrances to: Patti Luoto, 18260 Firesteel Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953.

            Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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