Bruce Paakola

Bruce W. Paakola, 65, of Beach Park, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at home, with his family by his side. He was born in Laurium, MI on April 14, 1948 to Florence and the late Arvo Paakola. Bruce grew up in Copper City, MI and moved to Waukegan in 1960. He graduated from Waukegan HS in 1966. In 1963 he met Carolyn Sturos and they were married on September 9, 1967 in Farmington Hills, MI. Bruce was a life-long member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church. He retired from Com Ed in 1999 with 33 years of service. Bruce is survived by his wife Carolyn; his children, Jody (Robert "Sod") Sears, Brent (Jennifer Petersen) Paakola and Joelle Manning; his grandchildren, Austin Sears, Ryleigh Sears, Jake Brewington, Tori Manning, Miranda Paakola, Carson Manning, Lainey Sears, Peyton Manning, Ben Paakola and Paige Paakola; great-grandchildren, Bradley and Ryen Brewington; his mother, Florence Paakola; sisters, Sharon (George) Linna, Patricia (James) Frantti and Brenda Paakola; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley Paakola in 1995; his father, Arvo Paakola in 1977; grandparents, Waino and Anna Kaupplia and Katherine and Matthew Paakola; a niece, Lori Linna and nephews, Timothy and Peter Frantti. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday April 17, 2014 from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, 39372 N. Carol Ln., Zion, IL. A celebration of life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the church.