Leslie C. “Les” Ruohomaki, 83, of 1524 Minneapolis Avenue, Gladstone, passed away Thursday evening, December 7, 2017 at home following a lengthy illness.
Les was born July 4, 1934 in Ishpeming, MI the son of Walfred and Laura (Carlson) Ruohomaki. He was raised in Ishpeming where he was a 1953 graduate of Ishpeming High School. Les continued his studies at Northern Michigan University where he received his Bachelor’s degree Social Services. He later obtained Masters degree’s in Counseling and Guidance and later Public Administration. Les also served 10 years in the Michigan National Guard, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Les was united in marriage to the former Ada Boyle on October 25, 1958 in Marquette. They made their home in Marquette where they began their family and later moved to Gladstone in 1973. They recently celebrated 59 years of marriage.
Les retired in 1997 following 24 years from the Department of Human Services. He served in the Regional Office for the Upper Peninsula as a Children Services Specialist, an Adult Placement Specialist and an Adult Services Specialist. He then served in the Zone Office of the Upper Peninsula as Administrative Assistant. Prior to coming to the Regional Office, he was a Counselor and Professor at Northern Michigan University from 1968 to 1973. He also had been employed as a Probation Officer for the Marquette County Juvenile Court and as a Radio Announcer for WJPD.
Les was an active member of the City of Gladstone where he served for 15 years on the Gladstone City Commission, serving as the Mayor of Gladstone for 7 of those years. He served 6 years on the Delta County Board of Commission, Michigan Works Board, Delta County Personnel Committee and the Delta County Landfill Board. He was President of the Alger/Marquette Sheltered Workshop and a member of the first Delta County Mental Health Board. Les was appointed by the Governor of Michigan to an advisory committee to determine the need for a computer system to track delinquent youth and was the technical advisor for the establishment of Bridgewood in Delta County.
Les was a very active member of the All Saints Church in Gladstone and his hobbies included camping. Les and Ada served as Campground Host for Van Riper State Park for many years. His family and community will sadly miss him.
In addition to his wife Ada, survivors include:
2 sons: Ron (Denise) Ruohomaki of Escanaba and Gary (Tracey) Ruohomaki of Green Bay, WI
2 daughters: Julie (Donald) Moberg of Escanaba and Maria (Rick) Gasco of Gladstone
Brother: Steve Ruohomaki of Chicago, IL
7 grandchildren: Chase, Chelsey, Ashley, Megan, Kayla, Ben and Morgan
4 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Leslie’s family will receive friends on Tuesday December 12, 2017 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 pm at the All Saints Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Church Parish Hall. Burial will take place at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Marquette.
Vickie Micheau - Gladstone, MI
Extending condolences to the Ruohomaki family. Les worked hard for our community and definitely made a positive difference. We’ll miss his sparkling eyes and great smile. Vickie and Gary Micheau
Gale - gladstone, mi
I am sorry for your loss, prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Blaine Betts - Marquette, MI
Leslie Ruohomaki leaves a legacy impossible to quantify. Through his work with troubled youth, he provided optimism in times of despair. Hard working, sincere, effective, and kind, Les remains an inspiration for those whose lives he touched. On behalf of the family of the late Miles Betts of the Marquette County Juvenile Court, please accept our sincere condolences.
Tom Sinnaeve - Marquette, MI
Ada, I am so sad to hear Les passed. My condolences & prayers are with you & your family. He was such a great man, who love the Lord. And a mentor to me. He meant a lot to the City of Gladstone and guided us for so many year. He will be missed.
Vicki Shirley - Bark River, Michigan
As I knew him, Les was always kind and cordial, smiling and interested in the world around him. His wife, Ada, was much the same, and we always enjoyed talking to either of them. We were saddened to hear of his death, as he was still receiving visitors and engaging in conversation as if there was nothing wrong. Our hearts go out to Ada, as well as his extended family.
Cory Hughes - Little Chute , WI
Send my sympathies to the entire Family-Ada, Ron, Gary, Julie and Maria and to all their Family members as well. Your husband/father was a wonderful, caring person!
Dennis Paulson - Negaunee, Mi
Our condolence go to the Rouhomaki family. We camped with Les & Ada at Van Riper he was always smiling R IP Les.
Craig Johnson - New Braunfels, Tx
My condolence to Ada and family. You are in my prayers.
Julia Hadas - San Antonio , TX
My deepest sympathy to Ada and family for your loss of Les. He did his job here and can now Rest In Peace.
Connie Williams - Marquette, MI
I have many fond memories of Les. He and I worked in the NMU Counseling Center in the late 60’s when campuses were dealing with riots and drugs. Les had a calming patience with the students who were troubled and it was so comforting for them to talk with him. Rest In Peace my friend. You deserve it!
Cheryl (Young) Rutherford - Gwinn, MI
My sympathy to the family. Though I met Les long ago I really did not know him, but I know what a strong effect he had on the community and will be missed. I worked with his Mom, Laura, in surgery in the early 70s and his brother Steve & I dated in high school. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Cheryl (Young) Rutherford
andy and elaine wasilewski - Marquette , MI
Ada and Family: although i know Les and each of you had time to prepare for this final departure, it is my experience that regardless the loss of a loved one remains a bittersweet process. It is our faith that assures us Les is in a perfect place and will be in eternal rest, peace and joy with the Lord and his loved ones who preceded his journey. Like tributes of others ahead of mine, i met Les at NMU In the late 60’s. It was a blessing to have Les and others to welcome me and offer guidance and encouragement. And then, after a long gap in not seeing Les, I met him again (and you for the first time, Ada), at Van Riper when you two were the campground host/hostess with the most/mostess. You both so enjoyed visiting with campers from near and far. The materials you had available, information you shared, and questions you answered made you a cut above others in similar positions—and the coffee and donuts you provided on a sunny or gloomy Saturday morning were appreciated by all who showed (in time). On Labor Day weekend, when the State held its bridge walk at the Mackinaw Straits; Les was not to be outdone and he held the Van Riper State Park bridge over the unnamed creek on the way to the boat launch, and we were lucky if there was even a trickle of water. Yet, Les made it interesting and families loved it. I am sure there was a bridge awaiting Les. May the Lord give you and your family strength, peace and healing. I am sorry I will not be able to be present for the funeral service.
Michael A Hebert - Rapid River, MI
So sorry for you loss Julie and Don.