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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Paul G. Ollila, 83, a resident of Painesdale, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas, while wintering with family following a lengthy illness.
He was born on April 17, 1940, in Negaunee, MI, a son of the late Uno and Lya (Klenke) Ollila. Paul was raised in Marquette, MI, and was a graduate of John D. Pierce High School with the class of 1958. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in social work/sociology and secondary education from Northern Michigan University.
On April 16, 1960, he was united in marriage to the former Joyce Allen. The couple had resided in Painesdale where they raised their family.
Paul began a 40-year career in education as a special education teacher and teacher-consultant with the Adams Township School District. In addition to working with his own students, Mr. Ollila taught special education students throughout the Copper Country ISD.
In 1976, after twelve years as a teacher for both Adams Township Schools and the Copper Country ISD, he was asked to become the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Special Education for the ISD. Paul accepted this position, and for the next 16 years, special needs students throughout the Copper Country benefited from his experience, leadership, and compassion.
In 1993, Mr. Ollila became the Superintendent of the Copper Country ISD. In this role, he was responsible for the ISD delivering a range of services to school districts and their students. These include alternative education, outdoor education, career preparation, vocational education, gifted and talented programs, and health curriculum.
Paul continued his education while working and in 1966, he earned a Master’s degree in special education/educational administration, and in 1989 he earned a Specialist’s degree in educational administration, both from Northern Michigan University.
In addition to his work accomplishments, Paul served his community in numerous leadership roles at the state, Upper Peninsula, and local levels. In addition to taking leadership roles in various professional associations, Mr. Ollila has served on the State Special Education Advisory Committee, the UP Center for Educational Development, Upper Great Lakes Education Technologies, Inc., the Copper Country Americorps, the Finlandia University Community Advisory Board, the Copper Country Superintendents’ Round Table, Adams Township Lion’s Club, an active member of the Wyandotte Hills Men’s Golf League for 53 years, and the advisory Board of Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, along with helping whenever called upon. He was also very proud to have served on the Michigan Technology University Board of Control for eight years.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Jim Ollila and his in-laws; James and Marjorie Allen.
Surviving are:
His wife of 63 years: Joyce Ollila; his children: Bryan (Darla) Ollila, Chris (Scarlett) Ollila, Jim (Charlene Dunn) Ollila, Shannon Ollila, Marci Ollila, Amber (Joshua) Woods; his grandchildren: Christopher Ollila, Eric Molina, Alex Ollila, Zachary Ollila, Kate Ollila and Madelyn Molina; his step-grandchildren: Melanie Messer and Matthew Messer; his sister: Joanne Pierce; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Paul’s family would like to thank Dr. Bruce Trusock for 40+ years of care. Also, they would like to thank the Mayo Clinic and Drs. Marie Hogan, Michelle Ziebarth and Rebecca Pittelko for all of the care given to Paul.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in the spring/summer of 2024.
To view Paul’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the local arrangements.
