Donald Samuel Hakkola

Donald Samuel Hakkola, age 85, of Eben Junction, passed away peacefully at his home that he loved on Sunday morning, February 21, 2016 under the care of his family and North Woods Home Care and Hospice. Donald was born in Eben on his family farm across the road from where he had resided the past thirty-eight years on April 29, 1930, to Jacob and Anni (Kangasniemi) Hakkola. One of his favorite memories of growing up on the farm was haying season when his brothers and sisters would come home with their families and together the family would harvest the hay, eat together, and company would come over in the evening for sauna and then share stories around the kitchen table.

Donald married the love of his life, L. Marie Juntunen, on October 26, 1962 and together they raised their 3 children. He worked for the Alger County Road Commission for 40 years and 41 days when he retired in 1991. Donald was a hard worker and loved the outdoors. He was happiest when he had three years worth of wood in the woodpile, a freezer full of food harvested from his garden, venison from one of his favorite hunting spots, wildlife to watch outside his living room window and most importantly family and friends around him to share these experiences with. Donald’s love of the outdoors was passed on through generations.  Any excursion that he embarked upon became a full day of lessons, adventure, fun, food, and quality time together.  Donald had a strong faith and was a devoted member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Donald is survived by his three children -  Gregory (Tina) Hakkola of Eben, Jodi (Jeff) Carney of Big Rapids, MI, and Heidi (DeeJay) Paquette of Munising, MI; his seven grandchildren -  Jacob, Jonathan and Joseph Carney; Aliisa, Joseph and Alexandra Paquette; and Brennen Hakkola; his sisters-in-law - Virginia Hakkola and Aune Juntunen of Eben, Eva VanHorn of Vernon, AZ and Nancy (Robert) Ranta of Gwinn, MI; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucille Marie (Juntunen) Hakkola; his parents, Jacob and Anni Hakkola; grandson, Jordan Joseph Jamison; sisters Fran (Martin) Ittner, Esther (Harold) Himes, Eva (Harold) Roberts, and Elsie (Karl) Hallinen; and brothers John, Walfred, Arvo, Eino (Vivian), Paul (Irene) and William Hakkola.

Services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee (see map in photos options of website.)  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Charles Prusi will conduct Donald’s funeral service at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.  Donald will be escorted by his grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 22, Negaunee, MI 49866 or Northwoods Home Health and Hospice, 129 E. Superior St., Munising, MI 49862.