John Hugo Anttila

John H. Anttila, 83, Maple, WI passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of August 15, 2025 with his wife Peggy by his side. He was born in Superior, WI on April 5, 1942 (his mother’s birthday) to Hugo and Ellen Anttila of Maple.

He attended Maple Corner Elementary School and graduated from Northwestern High School in Maple. He met and dated Peggy Danielson in high school and later they married on March 30, 1962. They lived in Maple for a while and then moved to the mouth of the Brule in 1976 where they lived with their 4 sons and also took in and cared for several foster children. He enjoyed raising his boys and foster children at the mouth of the Brule, teaching them the importance of nature and teaching them to hunt and fish.

John and Peggy moved back to the home place in Maple where John grew up with his sisters Doris and Doreen.

John worked in Superior for some time and then went to work for the Iron River National Fish Hatchery. He retired from that job in 2004 and then spent several years enjoying his retirement and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His most cherished times were watching his grandchildren grow and teaching them to hunt and fish.

He enjoyed feeding and watching the ducks and geese that came to his pond. He also enjoyed watching the hummingbirds that came to the feeder, and also his turkeys that came to eat.

Many enjoyable hours were spent with “Ruby” his cat. The cat will be a comfort to Peggy. His main enjoyment was hunting and fishing. He loved watching the Packers and Brewers on TV.

John is survived by his wife, Peggy, his sons, James Anttila (Leah Stauty), John (Pam) Anttila, Jeff (Bridget) Anttila, Jody (Renee) Anttila; sister Doreen (John “Jody”) Swanson, niece Andrea (Don) Yrjanainen, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Doris and her husband Arnold, and infant brother, Dennis.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Brule Town Hall, 5820 Maple Street in Brule. Burial will be at Maple Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E 5th Street in Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.