David Uno Haapala, age 71 of L’Anse, MI passed away on Monday, January 14, 2019 at his home.
He was born May 13, 1947 in Ironwood, MI son of Uno and Hulda (Korsman). David grew up in the western U.P., and received his high school diploma from Ontonagon. In the early 60’s he sailed on the Great Lakes, Valley Camp ship. He then joined the US Army during the Vietnam Era and served in Germany for 2 years. In 1968 he went to work for White Pine Copper Mine, retiring as a supervisor after 30 years. In 1998 he married the former Dianne Erickson (Nelson).
David was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee the Aura Lutheran Church, and American Legion. He loved fishing, hunting, and carpentry.
Surviving are his wife Dianne Haapala of L’Anse; sons, Danny (Danielle) Haapala of Stevens Point, WI, David (Nancy) Haapala of Wausau, WI, Dennis (Laura) Haapala of Ewen, Derrick Haapala of Stevens Point; step children, Denise (Steve) Larson of L’Anse, Debby (John) Robillard of L’Anse; siblings, Carol Johnson of Trout Creek, Roger (Cheryl) Haapala of Rockland, Gail Luce of Kalamazoo, Arvid (Jan) Haapala of Rock Springs, WY; 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents Uno & Hulda; brother Danny; sister Eleanor Karvonen; and his first wife Valerie.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 19th from 10-11 AM at the Zion Lutheran Church. Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct military rites under the direction of the American Legion Post 444 at 11 AM followed by a memorial service with Pastor Peter Suomela officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Burial will be in the spring in the Skanee Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home is in Charge of arrangements.
Friends may sign David’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
.