July 21, 2015 Ahmeek
Glen Alan Liikala, 67, a resident of Ahmeek MI passed away on Tuesday July 21, 2015 at the Omega House in Houghton MI. Glen, or Glennie as most knew him by, was born August 18, 1947 in Laurium MI to Carl "Butch" and Aino (Jaaskelainen) Liikala.
Glen went to Calumet Schools and graduated from Calumet High School in 1965. After high school he entered the United States Army and served for two years. After Glen returned from his military service he attended Michigan Tech, and frequently told people that did not work out because of his love for playing pool. He then attended Suomi College but received his bachelors degree with honors from Northern Michigan University. After graduation from college he had a very successful carreer as an insurance agent where he was presented with prestigious sales awards.
Glen was married in 1967 and in 1969 his daughter Dana was born. He was a wonderful father and he loved and adored his only child. Dana blessed Glen with his four grandchildren, Charlie, Tasha, Eric and Stephanie and one great-grandson Jayden.
Glennie began skating at a very young age and became an excellent hockey player. His lifelong love for hockey was always visible by the shirts, jackets or hats he wore of his favorite hockey team, the Detroit Redwings. Some of his favorite things to do was swimming in Lake Superior and spending time at his camp on Five Mile Point. He enjoyed participating in many of the local parades and loved being a comedian.
The challenge in Glennie's life began in 1973 when he was injured in a car accident, leaving him with a severe head injury. Glennie's kind heart endured after his accident. He would frequently tell people "I've got a good heart" and for those who knew him well, that could always be seen. If you took the time to get to know Glennie you would have had the opportunity too see what a genuine person he was. One of Glennie's favorite sayings was "Life is more beautiful when you share it with a friend". Jimmy Rota, his neighbor and good friend, was always there for Glennie. Across the street from Glennie's house was the Sunday School that he attended as a child. It was purchased by Jay & Cathy McKenzie and their friendship grew throughout the years. Glennie's presence will be greatly missed in Ahmeek and many other places in the Keweenaw.
Glennie is preceded in death by his parents: Carl "Butch" and Aino (Jaaskelainen) Liikala
He is survived by his daughter: Dana Liikala of Florida
Grandchildren: Charlie Liikala, Tasha Rynesh, Eric Rynesh, Stephanie Harry
Great Grandson: Jayden
Brother: Ronald (Dorri) Liikala of Washington
Cousin: Jim Jaaskelainen, many other cousins, nephews & neices
Special Friends: Jimmy Rota and Jay & Cathy McKenzie
A special thanks to the staff at Omega House and to those who gave Glennie rides to and from Calumet.
And as we would often hear Glennie say.......... "Life Goes On"
A memorial service will be held on Monday August 3, 2015 at 11:00 AM in the Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor Peter Vorhes to officiate. Visitation will be held from 10-11:00 AM at the Church.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Glen Alan Liikala, please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
