Private Wesley Karna was a brave soldier who fought for his country, and now a section of M-26 in Houghton County will be named after him. State Rep. Greg Markkanen successfully passed House Bill 5462, which renamed the highway as the Private Wesley Karna Memorial Highway. The bill received unanimous support from lawmakers.
Karna was born in 1922 in Painesdale, Michigan, to Finnish immigrant parents. He served in the Fifth Army, 91st Infantry, 362nd Regiment, F Company during World War II. Karna was killed in action on September 22, 1944 while fighting against the Gothic Line in Italy. He received several medals for his service, including a Purple Heart, a WWII Victory medal, and a European Theatre medal.
State Rep. Markkanen highlighted Karna’s sacrifice by emphasizing that he chose to serve his country despite the possibility of living a traditional American life. The renaming of the highway is a tribute to Private Karna and the many others who have fought for freedom.
During the committee meeting, Brad Uren, Private Karna’s great-nephew shared how an Italian historian found his canteen buried for 80 years. Engraved with Karna’s name, this discovery led Uren and his family to learn more about Private Karna’s service and sacrifice. The bill has received support from local authorities and is now one step closer to becoming law. Further information on the bill and testimony can be found in the Transportation Committee’s records
