LANSING, MI-- Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff Friday, May 12, within the state Capitol complex and within the 109th District of the
House of Representatives in honor of state Rep. John Kivela, who died Tuesday, May 9.
“John was a great person and a passionate public servant and will be remembered for his commitment to his constituents in Marquette and the Upper Peninsula,” Gov. Snyder said. “I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the Legislature during this difficult time.”
Rep. Kivela was serving his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives, most recently serving on the House Natural Resources Committee as minority vice chairman and on the House Energy Policy Committee. Before serving in the Legislature, Kivela worked in the automotive field, first in his family’s auto repair and distributor business, then as the general manager of a Marquette used car dealership. He served as mayor of Marquette from 2008 to 2012 and was first elected to the Marquette City Commission in 2006.
A service in his honor will be held on Saturday, May 13, at 2 p.m. in the Great Lakes Room of the University Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full staff on Saturday, May 13.
