John Kivela
American politician (1969–2017)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Kivela (May 14, 1969 – May 9, 2017) was an American politician who served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 until his death in 2017, and as Mayor of Marquette, Michigan, from 2008 until 2012.
John Kivela | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 109th district | |
| In office January 1, 2013 – May 9, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Steve Lindberg |
| Succeeded by | Sara Cambensy |
| Mayor of Marquette | |
| In office November 10, 2008 – November 13, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Tourville |
| Succeeded by | Johnny DePetro |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 14, 1969 |
| Died | May 9, 2017 (aged 47) |
| Cause of death | Suicide by hanging |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sandra Kivela |
| Children | Shelby and Andrew |
| Website | Rep. John Kivela |
Kivela was first elected in 2012. His district consisted of Alger, Luce and Schoolcraft counties and part of Marquette County.[1]
His family owned an automotive repair and distributor business in Marquette.[2]
Death
Kivela was found dead on May 9, 2017, at a home he owned in Lansing, Michigan. He hanged himself.[3] Hours earlier, he was released from jail following his second arrest for drunk driving. After his first arrest in 2015, he acknowledged he had a lifelong drinking problem and said he was seeking help.[4]
