Edward Milton Etelamaki
Edward Milton Etelamaki, 87, of Midland, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026 at the Toni and Trish House in Auburn. He was born Sept. 26, 1938 in Negaunee, son of the late Edward Samuel and Mayme Sophia (Huhta) Etelamaki. Edward spent his childhood and early adult years in the upper peninsula, graduating from Negaunee High School and earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Michigan University as well as a second Master’s from Central Michigan University. Edward obtained his first teaching position with Gladwin Community Schools. It was while working here he met the former Augusta Sherman on a blind date and the two were married October 21, 1961.
Edward’s first teaching position was high school mathematics for one year before being offered an art teacher position. Edward continued in Gladwin for the next five years before being offered placement as an art educator with Midland Public Schools. A beloved teacher to many, Edward had the opportunity to enrich the lives of many students throughout the years, retiring after over 36 years of dedication to education and creativity.
Edward’s love for art extended beyond the classroom. His personal works included watercolor, acrylic and oil painting as well as pottery. As he got older, Edward’s artistic expression evolved from visual to auditory. He learned how to play the dulcimer and was a member of the Jolly Hammers for many years. His musical talents extended further to the autoharp which he enjoyed playing the most in recent years. Edward took his love of art and merged it with nature to create his beautiful garden. It started with hostas and eventually grew into a vast array of flowers and other plants to be enjoyed by all.
Edward was raised in the Lutheran faith and through the years became a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn. Always using his creativity and knowledge, Edward used his artistic skills to help his church congregations. Whether it was creating and making banners for all seasons of the church year or creating lighting designs for Christmas and Vacation Bible School, or simply encouraging those around him to step out and use their talents, Edward always made sure to play his role.
Family was always important to Edward, starting with its origins. He extensively researched his family genealogy, eventually writing a history of his Finnish ancestors and their emigration to the United States. This was a passion project of his that he updated as time went on and he learned more.
His love of family encircled all, past, present, and future. He loved sharing his knowledge with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren, all of whom he was so proud.
Left to carry on his legacy are his beloved wife, Augusta Etelamaki; children: Edward S. (Sue) Etelamaki, Karen (Mark) Ochsankehl, Diana Mansfield, and Julie (Steve) Zahm; grandchildren: Sonja (Troy) Hinson, Ryken (Erica) Etelamaki, Davan (Rebecca) Etelamaki, Haken (Steffany) Etelamaki, Mikka (Makenzie) Etelamaki, Joshua (Elizabeth) Ochsankehl, Jonathan Ochsankehl, Jacob Ochsankehl, Anna (Justin) Christian, Ryan (Anne) Keller, and Jessica (Tyler) Brattin; great grandchildren: Azaria (Austin) Balzer, Asher Hinson, Jordi Hinson, Abel Hinson, Nolan Etelamaki, Dylan Etelamaki, Liam Etelamaki, Liliana Payne, Haven Etelamaki, Hazel Etelamaki, Sofia Etelamaki, Davien Kaster, Joshua Ochsankehl Jr., Elisa Ochsankehl, Karleena Ochsankehl, Dexter Ochsankehl, Leona Keller, and Isla Keller; and great-great grandchildren: Ivy Balzer and Finnley Balzer. Edward is also survived by his brothers: Daniel Etelamaki, Wallace (Bonnie) Etelamaki, and Alvin (Sharon) Etelamaki; and sister, Paulette Oates.
Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Norman Oates.
Funeral services for Edward will take place at 12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn, 1557 W. Seidlers Rd., with a luncheon to follow. Committal service will take place at the Midland Cemetery after the lunch.
His family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Toni and Trish House or Zion Lutheran Church and School – Auburn.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Etelamaki family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.