Arthur Parkkila

Arthur Parkkila, age 94, of Chatham died at the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique on Saturday, March 15, 2025 following a year long illness. He was born on March 2, 1931 in Eben Junction to Daniel and Ida (Paananen) Parkkila. Art grew up in Eben Junction and attended school there. He went to work at a young age in the mines. He left work to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Art earned the Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal and an overseas bar. He returned to the mines after his honorable discharge on October 20, 1953. Art married Greeta Arthur and together had three children – Daniel, Gary, and Lynn. He worked underground in the mines until his retirement in 1991. Art had married Wilda (Bossom) Chasteen on July 5, 1975. They spent a lot of time with the grandchildren and Art helped Wilda with her catering business. They were married over thirty-seven years when Wilda preceded him in death on December 10, 2012. Art enjoyed camping with the grandkids, fishing, bird hunting, hunting for mushrooms, gardening, and woodworking. He always had a dog and every dog was “the best dog ever!”

Art is survived by his children – Daniel Parkkila and Lynn Parkkila; stepchildren – Nona (Leo) Niemi, Pam (Wayne) Johnson, Diane Adams, and William (Janice) Chasteen; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Gary, wife Wilda, grandson Danny, son-in-law Hubert Adams, and great granddaughter Scarlett Kienitz.

Graveside services and military honors will be held at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham, Michigan at a later date.