Karlo Pelto

July 16, 1921 - February 22, 2012
Kalamazoo, MI

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Service

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
2:30 PM to 3:05 PM EST
Vicksburg Cemetery

There will be a memorial gathering following the burial at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Parish Hall.

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Wounded Warrior Project
235 Wealthy Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(888) 736-0208
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Rosewood Flowers & Gifts
118 South Main St.
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(877) 649-1685
Map
Web Site

Heirloom Rose
407 S. Grand St.
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
(269) 679-3010
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Karlo Jacob Pelto

July 16, 1921 – February 22, 2012

Loving Husband…Father…Brother…Grandfather

Karlo was born in Dodgeville, MI to Herman and Maria (Junila) Pelto on July 16, 1921, who were immigrants from Finland. He was one of 12 children, Emil, John, Mary, Helmi, Edward, Veikko, Wilma, Walfri, Andrew, and Ella all proceeding him in death. Benjamin, surviving, resides in Westland, MI, with his wife Dorothy.

Karlo graduated from school in Dodgeville, MI. He served in the Civilian Conservation Camp at Camp Pori, Mass, MI from January 12, 1940 - May 29, 1940, where he worked as a laborer for tree conservation. On July 1, 1940 he went to the CCC Motor Vehicle School and graduated on October 16, 1940. He worked in the Isle Royal Copper Mine in Houghton, MI. On July 13, 1943, Karlo was inducted into the United States Army, and served in the 358th Infantry, 90th Division in World War II. He earned the EAME Theatre Ribbon, 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, theVictory Medal of World War II, along with his unit receiving a Presidential Citation. While serving in the European Theatre he earned the nickname as “The Lone Ranger” and was given a field commission as Captain. Karlo fought in the Battle of the Bulge under General Patton. On February 13, 1946 he was honorably discharged from the United States Army. After the war, he worked as a pulp lumberman at Isle Royal. His lifes work was a machinist, which he enjoyed very much.

Karlo married Mariom Raisonen in 1948. After their marriage they lived in Painesdale, MI, where their son Sheldon Michael was born.

April 30, 1955 he married Alice Lorraine Hill, who proceeded him in death. They lived in Mount Clemens, MI, where Lawrence James, Daniel Albert and David Richard, were born. After moving to Kalamazoo, MI, Nancy Jean, was born. They then moved to Vicksburg, MI where they resided for many years.

May 24, 1974 he married Marlene Joyce Allen, (surviving) adding three children to the family, Richard Franklin, Joyce Elaine and Roger Dale Allen. They lived in Vicksburg, MI, Three Rivers, MI and retired in Kalamazoo, MI, where they enjoyed their children and grandchildren.

Surviving are children Sheldon Michael and Shellie Pelto of Eustace, TX, Lawrence James and Patty Pelto of Three Rivers, MI, Daniel Albert Pelto of Vicksburg, MI, David Richard and Grace Pelto of Wenonah, NJ, Nancy Jean and Thomas Fox of Flowery Branch, GA, Richard Franklin and Donna Allen of Elkhart, IN, Joyce Elaine and Scott Little of Portage, MI, Roger Dale Allen and fiancé Cherie Bailey of Vicksburg, MI. Grandchildren Michael Pelto, Cory Pelto, Terance Pelto, Andrew Pelto (deceased), Zachary Doule, Lucanus Pelto, Monica Pelto, Kerrie Allen, John Allen, Christine Allen, David Allen (deceased), Trevor Allen, Patrick Allen, Kelly Allen, Jill Criss, Grace Horne, Brandon Little, Ashley Little, Kari Hanna, Ryan Fox, Alicia Fox, Robert Allen, Cecily Allen, and Lauren Allen. 15 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial graveside service on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at the Vicksburg Cemetery. Following the burial, there will be a memorial gathering at St Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Parish Hall, 5855 East W Avenue, Vicksburg. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Karlo was a loving, patient, and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed telling his stories and cooking for anyone who came to his house. He will be forever in our hearts and prayers, and will be greatly missed.