Sulo H. Arola

Sulo H. Arola, 87, of Freeport died Sunday at Provena St. Joseph Center. Sulo was born January 5, 1925 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Karl and Katri Kangas Arola. His family moved to Freeport in 1935 and Sulo later graduated from Freeport High School in 1942. Sulo learned a good share of his talent from M.A. Blackwood and was rewarded by him with the Arts Cup at his high school graduation. On October 16, 1943 he married Geraldine B. Wolfe in Albion, Michigan. She died February 18, 2005. Mr. Arola was a World War II Army Air Corp veteran. He was a member of a B -17 Flying Fortress Crew that flew missions out of Italy until the war'™s end. After separation from active service, he remained in the inactive Reserves until his finale discharge in 1954. After his military service, he and his wife moved back to Freeport and he began a longtime career in automotive sales. His employment included Noeske Bros., Zimmerman Chevrolet , and Zimmerman Olds Cadillac. He retired in 1984. Sulo enjoyed traveling with his wife, extensively traveling through the entire United States and Canada. He and his wife took in a multitude of sporting events, especially Michigan football. They attended the Olympics in Montreal and Los Angeles. Sulo was very proud of his Finnish heritage. Sulo is survived by his daughter, Diane (Rick) Pontnak of Freeport and two sons; Michael (Carol) Arola of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Gary Arola of Freeport. His grandchildren; DR. Kenneth Eichholz, Joseph Arola, Chanel and Ryanne Arola. Two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Kathryn Eichholz. Mr. Arola was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, two sisters, his grandson, Kirk Eichholz and his nephew, David Arola. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church, Freeport with Rev. Kaleb Kolstad, pastor, officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until time of service at the church. Burial will in Chapel Hill memorial Gardens, Freeport. Please visit www.burketubbs to visit the online guestbook.