Arthur Rudolph Kokko

TRAVERSE CITY — Arthur Rudolph Kokko, 92, of Traverse City, passed away by natural causes at Munson Medical Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. He was born from strong Finnish stock on Feb. 22, 1923, in Northern Ontario, Canada, on a farm literally chiseled out of the woods by his father, Antti Wilhelm Kokko. He was the youngest of eight children of his mother, Edla Sophia Kokko. Arthur joined the Canadian Army during World War II and served as a radio-operator, he landed on Juno beach on D-Day- plus one, and accompanied his compatriots into Germany and ultimately victory. In 1947 he married his beloved, Beatrice, to whom he remained devoted throughout nearly 68 years of marriage and beyond her recent passing. Their marriage stood as a monument to part of God’s purpose in creation, that a man and woman should join and become one flesh. Utilizing his military training in telecommunications, he built a 36 year or so career in the phone system. This began as a lineman in Ontario and then, followed his eldest brother, Bill and his sister-in-law Francis (who was also Beatrice’s eldest sister) to Colorado in 1953. He climbed his way to a second-level management position with Mountain Bell, before retiring to Traverse City in 1983. This achievement bears witness to his innate intelligence, strong work ethic, and a lifelong and tireless passion for learning. He was also a gifted woodworker and craftsman, building homes and additions, furniture, carving beautiful wood figures and even fabricating a full size violin from scratch. He deeply loved his two sons, and guided them with wisdom and patient kindness through the highs and lows of their lives. This love easily spilled over to his grandchildren, so that he became their most trusted advisor and cheering section. A consummate athlete, Arthur was, as one might predict, an absolute wizard on ice skates or any kind of skis. But he dutifully walked the links as his game of choice. He harbored a strong faith in Christ that he expressed not so much by words but in practice that touched the lives of so many people with the love of God. Arthur charmed everyone with his whimsy, sparkling sense of humor and penchant for staying hip with the latest culture. Indeed, he was loved by all who met him, both young and old. Arthur is predeceased by his wife, Beatrice Helen; his brothers, William, Vilho and Niilo; and sisters, Jenny, Elma, and Olga; and survived by his two sons, Warren of Denver, Colorado, and Bruce (Sara) of Neenah, Wisconsin; sister Helmi; two grandchildren, Matthew (Carey) and Larisa (Adam); and step granddaughter, Carly. A joint funeral service will be held for him and his wife Beatrice on Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at the Friends Church of Long Lake, with visitation held one hour prior. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Arthur and Beatrice’s names may be directed to Long Lake Friends Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with Arthur and Beatrice’s family by way of their online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Arrangements for the family have been entrusted to Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Arthur Rudolph Kokko

February 22, 1923 - April 8, 2015