Wilho Allan Tuomaala

Wilho Allan Tuomaala was born at home on Sept 24, 1937 in Painesdale, Michigan and died at home in Royal Oak, Michigan on July 8, 2025 at the age of 87. He was the son of Fanny and Matias Tuomaala and brother to Helen Gilbert and Allie Lindstrom. Growing up in Michigan's upper peninsula, he was influenced by the woodshop teacher at Jeffers High School to forgo his first choice of a career as a carpenter in order to pursue architecture. While serving in the United States Army Corps of Engineers he assisted the base architects at Fort Leonard Wood in south central Missouri. Following his discharge, he enrolled in the University of Michigan School of Architecture. He spent his summers working aboard the luxury cruise ship Aquarama on the Great Lakes to support his education. He later became a partner in the firm Siegal Tuomaala Associates, which established a reputation across the greater Detroit metro region for designing office buildings, assisted living facilities, and hockey rinks. He inherited his strong drive to work from his father and was never afraid to show up at the office on a weekend. Allan was impressed the first time he met Linda Quinn at Trainor's Bar on Woodward because she loved architecture and knew who Frank Lloyd Wright was. Despite being two hours late for their first date (due to a vet emergency for his nephew's dog), they were married several months later. Both Allan and Linda enjoyed boating and were members of the Detroit Yacht Club, where Al volunteered his expertise to consult on preservation and remediation efforts on numerous occasions. He served as moderator for the First Congregational Church of Royal Oak, where he was a member with his wife. Al also served as a volunteer for the City of Royal Oak's Downtown Development Authority and Historic District Commission and was a charter member of the Finnish Center Association. While civic life and architecture framed Allan's life, his commitment to his beloved wife and family was the center. He and Linda were a formidable team whether it was navigating health issues, remodeling their homes, or just finding the humor in life. Allan's unshakeable faith and determination provided the inspiration for his family to grow and express themselves as strong individuals. He was a reserved man of few words, but when he did speak you were smart to listen. If fewer words could be used, he would find a way to use fewer words. Allan was a good man with strong values who made his contribution in life to his family and everyone lucky enough to have worked with him. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Tara, son Glen and daughter-in-law Charlotte, and two grandsons Adrian and Jackson. He will be remembered for his intelligent and dry sense of humor, his unwavering loyalty and support for his family and friends, and his unstoppable work ethic. Memorial visitation for Allan will be held on Tuesday, July 15, from 3 - 7 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blocks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly Upper Michigan Chapter (lbfemichigan.org) or the Royal Oak Salvation Army (centralusa.salvationarmy.org/royaloak).

Wilho Allan Tuomaala

September 24, 1937 - July 8, 2025