Hancock, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The Hancock community mourns the loss of Glenn Pyhtila, a cherished member who passed away at the age of 90. Known for his leadership in local healthcare and coaching hockey, Glenn’s legacy lives on through his family, friends, and community contributions. He inspired many throughout his life, leaving an indelible mark on Hancock. A memorial service will be held in his honor, with arrangements for his resting place at Lakeside Cemetery.
Hancock – Glenn Pyhtila, a beloved member of the Hancock community, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the age of 90. He died at Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee, where he had been a patient for the last two months.
Born on August 11, 1935, in Hancock, Glenn was the son of the late Henry and Hulda Jemina (Jarvela) Pyhtila. He spent part of his childhood in Detroit and Winona before returning to Hancock, where he graduated from Hancock High School in 1953.
After high school, Glenn briefly moved to the Detroit area before enlisting in the United States Army. While stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska, he played on the Fort Richardson Pioneers Hockey team, which secured the U.S. Army Championship during his time there. After his military service, Glenn pursued higher education, earning a business administration degree from Michigan Technological University after attending Suomi College.
On January 12, 1957, Glenn married Shirley Kemila. The couple initially lived in Ohio and Illinois while Glenn worked for the United States Department of Agriculture. They moved back to Houghton in 1965, where Glenn made significant contributions to the local community by becoming the first male to be hired as the assistant business administrator at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hancock. He later served as the Houghton County Controller until his retirement in 1995.
Active in his community, Glenn was a devoted member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock. He took great pride in coaching hockey, especially the Laurn Grove hockey team, and his involvement with the Copper County Junior Hockey Association. Glenn also enjoyed his time as a member of the Ottawa Sportsmen’s Club and made lasting memories at the family camp in Alston. He was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Lions.
Glenn was preceded in death by his son, Michael, along with his siblings, Edna Saari, Edel Kuoppala, and Eugene Pyhtila, as well as his parents. He leaves behind his wife, Shirley Pyhtila, of Hancock; three sons, Eric (Jean) Pyhtila of Hancock Township, Alan Pyhtila of Northville, Michigan, and Chris (Dr. Jessica, PharmD) Pyhtila of Sterling, Virginia; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Pyhtila of Hancock; grandchildren Andrew, Elizabeth, Joseph, Marie, Tina, and Tristan; and great-grandchildren Niklas, Luukas, Adele, Sophie, and Noah.
A memorial service to honor Glenn’s life will be held at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel at a later date. He will be laid to rest at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock.
For those wishing to express their condolences or learn more about Glenn’s life, an obituary is available online at www.Memorialchapel.net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Glenn Pyhtila?
Glenn Pyhtila was a long-time resident of Hancock, Michigan, known for his service in the U.S. Army and his career in local government and healthcare.
When did Glenn pass away?
He passed away on September 4, 2025.
What are some highlights of Glenn’s life?
Some highlights include his military service, his role in local healthcare as the assistant administrator at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and his dedication to coaching hockey.
Is there a memorial service planned?
Yes, a memorial service will be held at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel at a later date.
Where will Glenn be buried?
He will be buried at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock.
Key Features of Glenn Pyhtila’s Life
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 11, 1935 |
| Death Date | September 4, 2025 |
| Education | Business Administration Degree from Michigan Technological University |
| Military Service | Served in the U.S. Army, played hockey at Fort Richardson, Alaska |
| Marriage | Married Shirley Kemila on January 12, 1957 |
| Career | Assistant Business Administrator at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Houghton County Controller |
| Community Involvement | Member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, coached hockey |
| Family | Survived by wife Shirley, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Northville High School Mustangs Secure Victory Against Plymouth Wildcats
Northville Football Triumphs Over Plymouth
Community Remembers Glenn Pyhtila, Beloved Houghton Resident
Additional Resources
- Upper Michigan’s Source: Glenn Pyhtila Obituary
- Wikipedia: Hancock, Michigan
- Mining Gazette: Glenn Pyhtila Obituary
- Google Search: Glenn Pyhtila
- Legacy: Esko Carlson Obituary
- Google Scholar: Glenn Pyhtila
- Mining Gazette: Ronald P. Saari Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hancock Michigan
- Legacy: Ina Nordstrom Obituary
- Google News: Glenn Pyhtila
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