George Kivela

Madison -- George Kivela, age 97, died on Saturday, January 8, 2011. He was born on September 4, 1913 in Negaunee, Michigan the son of the late Peter and Emelia Kivela. A graduate of Negaunee High School and Northern Michigan University at Marquette, Michigan, George also attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. A World War II Veteran he served overseas in Okinawa with the 305^th Signal Corps attached to 301 Fighter Wing -- 8^th Air Force. He was preceded by his wife of 51 years, Evelyn Lien Kivela; his siblings, John, Uno, Raymond, Saddie, Mamie and Arthur. George is survived by his son, Robert (Julie); and many nephews and nieces. He was employed by DILHR for 32 years, first in Milwaukee and then in Madison. He was a test research specialist working in conjunction with the U.S. Employment Service, Department of Labor in Washington. Upon his retirement, he was involved with the Westside Senior Coalition, RSVP and Bethel Lutheran Outreach Ministries. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a visitation from 12 noon until the time of service. Memorials may be made to the Kivela Scholarship Fund at NMU, Attn: Mr. David Bammert, Development Officer, Northern Michigan University Development Fund, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, Michigan, 49855-5301.