Richard Lahtinen

Born on July 15, 1936, in Negaunee and raised in Marquette, the son of Elias and Marie (Finck) Lahtinen, Richard was a graduate of Bishop Baraga High School, Class of 1954. Following graduation, he enlisted (at age 17 after getting his parent’s permission as required by the armed services for under-18 admittance) and served his country in the United States Marine Corps for three years.

Following an honorable discharge, he attended Northern Michigan University for a year before beginning his lifelong career as a Union Electrician in the construction industry skilled trades. He joined the Electricians Local 1070 Apprenticeship training program and worked diligently in his craft for 42 years, retiring at the age of 63, Dick was elected and served for over 7 years as Business Manager/Financial Secretary, and for 26 years on the Executive Board was Chairman of the contract negotiating committee collaborating with IBEW signatory contractors advocating for fair wages and safe working conditions to ensure that middle class pay, health benefits and dignified retirement pensions are provided for every qualified member of the union. Dick, along with many union electricians of the time (Kaye Vandenboom, Butch Soucy, Danny Miller, Paul and Pat Desjardins, Art Mattson, Tom and Paul Hogan, Bill Taipale, Tim Goldsworthy, Dale Johnson, John Laurich, Jim McClelland, Mike Carter and countless other LU 1070 electricians- all his lifelong friends) envisioned, founded and funded the Midget Open class hockey team commonly known as ‘The Electricians’ in 1976 – investing significant money to develop a team from scratch to compete at the highest level of Midget hockey in the US, Canada and Internationally. This program- funded exclusively by Union Electrician’s contributions, paved the way for literally hundreds of UP youths to play competitively on the international stage providing a pathway for numerous players to continue into college and semi-professional ranks, and the team earned a National Midget AA Championship in 1984.

A lifelong resident of Marquette, Richard was known for his strength, kindness, gentle heart and strong Catholic faith- he attended mass at St Peter Cathedral weekly for decades. He and his dad were deeply proud of their Finnish ancestry as hearty compassionate and tough. Dick loved the outdoors walking, swimming, exercising, and most of all spending time with his family and many local friends. His dedication to those he loved, and his unwavering work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Dick was proud and humbled to have been nominated and travel to Washington DC with other UP military veterans on an ‘Honor Flight’ last summer where they received VIP treatment visiting numerous war memorials, Arlington Cemetery, Vietnam Wall, US Marine Corp War Memorial and other sacred landmarks dedicated to those who fought, died or survived protecting the United States in the US armed services.

Dick was a big fan of the Red Wings, Tigers, Wolverines, Cats, Tech, and Spartans (and quietly even the Packers) while his favorites were Notre Dame Irish and every Olympic Games, but he loved the Detroit Lions, so he truly enjoyed a great memorable sports season last year.

Richard is survived by his children, Kathleen (Kim) Frazier of Marquette, Bart Lahtinen of San Diego, California, Greg Lahtinen of Marquette, and Kurt (Julie) Lahtinen of Marquette; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Ryan and Scott Frazier of Marquette, and Luke and Lauren Lahtinen of Marquette.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elias and Marie.

A memorial service will be held at the Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Service on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Services will be held at 12:00 pm with Father Brandon Oman officiating. A reception will follow the service in the funeral home. Interment will be made in the Northland Chapel Gardens later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855 in his honor.

The Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com.