Sheldon Charles Ahola

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died August 23, 2020

Sheldon “Kip” Charles Ahola, age 81, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 23, 2020 at his home.

Kip was born February 19, 1939, in Amasa, MI, the son of Neil and Helia (Karasti) Ahola and Step-Mother Sally. Kip graduated from Negaunee High School Class of 1957. He then went on to attend Michigan Tech University.

Kip was united in marriage to Beverly D’Ambrosio in1960. The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage this past July. Kip held various jobs over the years. From City of Escanaba Engineering Department, Northern Michigan Engineering & Surveyors, Rust Engineering, to Coleman Engineering.

In 1972, Kip and Beverly relocated to Gladstone where Kip took on employment with the F.J. Sillar Construction as a Project Engineer for Addition & Improvements to Sewage Treatment Plant. In 1975, he purchased Wnuck Concrete which later became renamed Ahola & Son Concrete, better known as A&S Concrete. Kip owned and operated until 2007.

In 1988, Kip purchased the property of the former MacGillis & Gibbs Co. He developed “Gladstone Landing.” The first condominiums in the Upper Michigan. He was instrumental in the development of McDonalds and the gas station, which became the anchor of the property and future development of a hotel, Subway, USDA building, and Northwoods commercial center.

Kip also served on the Gladstone City Commision (Mayor Pro Tem), Chairman Central Division United States Ski Association, a member of All Saints Catholic Church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Kip especially enjoyed his Grandchildren. He loved attending all their sporting events and supporting them in their hobbies. Kip was an avid reader, a musician, and enjoyed his retirement winter years in Sun City West, AZ. Kip also possessed artistic ability. He enjoyed painting, drawing, and woodworking. He was proud of his current project, “Cross of the Last Supper.”

In addition to his loving Wife, Beverly, he is survived by:
2 Sons: Terry (Ann) Ahola of Gladstone, MI.
Tracy (Kim) Ahola of Egg Harbor, WI
2 Daughters: Shari Hahn of Gladstone, MI
Denise (Steve Flath) Hughes of Gladstone, MI
Grandchildren: Niklas Ahola, Hans Ahola, Alexander Ahola, Andrew Ahola, Hillary (Ryan Jacques) Ahola, Chelsea Byerly, Charles Byerly, Charles Hughes, and Vincent Hughes.
Sister: Sheila (Phil) Cormier.
Brother-in-law: Phil (Jean) D’Ambrosio
And several Nieces and Nephews.

In addition to his Parents, Kip was preceded in death by:
Brother: Allen (Gloria) Ahola.
Son In Law: Steve Hahn of Jackson, WY.

Private visitation will be held. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 12:30 PM at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Burial will follow at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to an organization of your choice. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Ahola family.

32 Tributes for “Sheldon Charles Ahola”

    Dear Ahola Family,
    Kip was just the greatest. He helped people in big ways in the working world or in getting on the right path. He helped in small ways with his advise and wisdom. He was a man of great faith and shared it in the right way. Kip was so kind to me growing up and to my family into adulthood. I was surely blessed to know him. We all know where he is now and he smiles down on us.
    Andy, Brenda and kids.

    Dear Bev and Family,Condolences to you all. My prayers and thoughts are sent to you. May your many good memories give you comfort. Neil and I enjoyed are times with you in Arizona. Sally

    Please accept my sincere condolences. Kip was a friend of my dad’s, “Popeye”. Whenever I would run into him, we reminisced about my dad. I will remember his kindness.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Tammy Hanson

    To the entire Ahola family we express our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Sincerely,
    Roger and Amy Aho

    Rest In Peace Kip
    We were friends for 40+ years. Snowbirds together, golfers together, sober together, and Yoopers.
    Together we ” Trudged the Road of Happy Destiny”
    We will deeply miss Kip. Love, Dave & Pat

    Ahola family,
    Our condolences on your loss. May he rest in peace and God Bless you all.

    Bud and Sue (Wiltzius) Sargent

    Dear Bev & family
    Kip was so much a brother to me. We did so much together growing up. Sports, the outdoors and the mix with families.
    Your family is in our hearts & prayers. I will miss our weekly phone calls.

    Kip was a wonderful man and good friend. We enjoyed many good times in Arizona. He was a man of great faith who valued his friends. God got a great addition. God bless his family and know he will be in your hearts forever. Love, Karen & Jerry

    My sincere condolences to the Ahola family on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather Kip. I enjoyed every bit of the time I was around him even if it was just a brief conversation on the 8th hole at Irish Oaks. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. God bless him and God bless and be with the Ahola family.

    Bev, I am so sorry to hear about Kip. I didn’t know him him really well but he always treated me with kindness and grace. I wish I could be there personally to honor him and you. We just lost June’s husband Gordie in Marquette. The south 16th families are strong and we will continue on. You and your children are in my prayers! Take care!

    To the entire Ahola family , from the entire Paquin family, May the good lord stand by you during these very hard times as you say goodbye to a wonderful man. He has given of himself in so many ways . The stories he would share with all of us during the days of doing business together will forever be remembered & how he gave us comfort when we lost our own dear father . May he Rest In Peace & bring ya’ll peace in the following days to come .

    Dear Bev, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have so much I want to say and share. Will save them for a later date.
    Love, Bobbie

    Ahola family.
    I always enjoyed talking to your husband/dad and you could just feel on nice and good he was. If we all become half the man Kip was, we’ll have done fine.
    Take care,
    Art Van Damme

    My deepest condolences Beverly to you and family…Kip was a very special friend through the years….Rest in Peace my friend❤

    To the Ahola family. My condolences to the family of a great man. I remember the good times I had golfing with him and Bev in Gaylord. He was always smiling and caring. God Bless you all

    Kip was a very special man whose friendship will be missed. He had a great faith and we know that God got a good one. We spent time together in Arizona which gave us so much joy. We will miss him. Bev and family have great memories and we express our deepest sympathy. May God bless you all and always remember he will be with you always. Love, Jerry & Karen

    Dear Bev and Family
    We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Rest in peace Kip.
    Sincerely, John and Carol

    I was fortunate to have known Kip for over 45 years. I always appreciated his support provided to me during my Gladstone teaching & coaching of football & wrestling. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
    Coach Klintworth

    There are not enough words to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. Kip has been someone I admired and looked up to for years. It breaks my heart to think he won’t be with us anymore. He helped many people through the years and I can only hope he knows what a difference he made in so many❤️

    my deepest sympathy and condolences to Bev and the rest of the Ahola family, Kip was a great friend and confidant for many years and was so helpful in my recovery (remission) from alcohol, rest in peace Kip, I know I’ll miss you.

    sincerely, Mike Stammer

    My deepest condolences to the Ahola family. Kip was always a bright light when he came into the bank. He always made everyone smile with his kind words. He was a great asset to our community and will be deeply missed by all. Prayers and hugs to you at this difficult time.

    Visiting my Uncle Sheldon and Aunt Bev was always a memorable experience for me in my youth. They had so many kids in their house at all times! Such fun and pleasant memories.

    He will be sorely missed.

    The Allen Ahola’s
    Kori, Bettie and Jana

    Dear Bev and Family
    We were so sorry to hear of Kip’s passing. It’s always so sad to lose our family friends from the past. Kip was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Kip. As a child we spent many holidays together and it was always fun visiting him and Auntie Bev as well as my cousins. He was always kind, funny, and sweet with words of encouragement. Uncle Kip will be greatly missed by our family. And I will never forget the cherished memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kip’s family and friends during this difficult time. Love, Marlo and James

    Our deepest sympathy to your family during this time of loss. We have so enjoyed Kip’s kind, warm smile and friendliness at Sunday mass. Know that he will be missed by all.

    Bev and family,

    We are so sorry to hear about Kip’s illness and passing. Although I knew Kip for years through the bank we never knew you as a couple until we started wintering in Sun City. We will think of both of you every time we visit our favorite pizza place, Little Sicily. I will also treasure the golf clubs and Master’s pictures, gifts from you on your return to Gladstone, that have a place of honor in my AZ room. Prayers for all of you!

    The Collins family sends their Deepest Condolences to the Ahola Family. Your Dad “Kip” will always hold a special place in our hearts and prayer. As we talk and share our memories of KIP, we speak of the fond family adventures of skiing and the great times we shared with both our family successes. I will always remember his support and encouragement, but also the leadership he provided within our community both on and off the slopes, I’m happy to have been apart of his life. I will miss our summer rendezvous during the 4th of July celebration but the thought of you will not be far away.
    Peace be with your Family and prayer to comfort us all.
    Rest in Peace Kip.

    -S-

    Our sympathy Beverly and extended families. Kip was a true gentleman to the definition. A smile, a friendly handshake, may your memories sustain you in the days, months ahead.
    Fondly, Terry and Jolaine Anderson

    Mary and I send our deepest sympathy to you Beverly and your family. We are shocked to hear of Kip’s passing and all of the Aholas will always be in our prayers. We so enjoyed your friendship and our get together on Sundays after mass and yes the donuts were also good. May you continue in Gods love until we are all together again.
    Love you,
    Gary & Mary

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