John Ahola

Born on Dec. 30, 1953, to William and Lillian (Johnson) Ahola, John grew up in Crystal Falls and graduated from Forest Park High School in 1972. In 1975, he began what would become his lifelong calling as a full-time fireman and truck driver with the Crystal Falls Fire Department. He proudly served the community for 35 years, including more than two decades as fire chief, before retiring in 2011.

On Oct. 11, 1974, John married Pat (Heimerl), and together they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.

John was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, especially with his best friend and hunting partner, “Sandy the Dog.” He took great pride in the “Wire-Horn Lodge,” his camp he built by hand near the Michigamme Reservoir — a place that brought him peace and countless memories. A devoted fan of country music, John spent over 30 years enjoying the Hodag Country Music Festival, a tradition he cherished and shared with many family members and friends over the years.

John is survived by his wife, Pat; his children, Teresa (Nathaniel) Kudwa and Adam (Becky) Ahola; and his grandchildren, Lauren (Sam) Kudwa, Talon Kudwa, Mason Ahola, and Reese Ahola. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (Frank) Foley; sister-in-law Louise Ahola; brother-in-law Jeff (Faye) Heimerl; and sisters-in-law Peggy (Phil) Ketola, JoAnn Heimerl, and Diane (Bryan) LaChapelle; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob Ahola; his in-laws, Morris and Nancy Heimerl; and his brother-in-law, Brad Heimerl.

Per John’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will be planned for the fall, when friends and family can gather to honor his memory.

Condolences to the family of John Ahola may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.