Donald E. Simula

Donald E. Simula, age 89 of Keweenaw Bay, MI passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020 at U.P. Health System Marquette, MI.
He was born August 7, 1930 in Keweenaw Bay son of Elmer and Helen (Kinnunen) Simula. Don graduated from Baraga High School in 1949. He was in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-55 during the Korean war. On June 29, 1957 he married the former Arlene H. Broemer in Ontonagon. Don worked at the White Pine Mine and Celotex, then becoming a carpenter. He became the handyman/carpenter of Keweenaw Bay, building and repairing many projects for neighbors. He retired in 1994 from the Michigan Carpenters Union.
Through the years he was a scout leader for his son Donnie and many of his friends, which was most of the boys in Keweenaw Bay. He served on the Keweenaw Bay Community Board, where they planned activities for the Community including Pinochle games that were played weekly with friends and neighbors. He also served on the Holy Cross Church Board in Baraga for many years.
Don was a life member of the VFW Post 6507 in Chassell. He enjoyed reading about WWII airplanes, wood working, and always kept busy tinkering with something. He enjoyed playing with his grandkids whether it was a game of baseball or ping pong. In later years he especially enjoyed following his grandchildren in their various sports and playing cards. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Surviving are his wife Arlene Simula of Keweenaw Bay; daughters, Mary (Calvin) Tollefson of Seymour, WI, Sally (Jeff) Olson of Marquette, MI; 5 grandchildren Kimberly and Brad Tollefson, Taylor, Jaime, and Isaac Olson.
Preceding him in death are his parents Elmer and Helen; son Donnie Simula; and grandson Daniel Olson.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Jacobson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Keweenaw Bay Cemetery with military rites conducted under the direction of the Baraga County Area Veterans at 12:00 p.m.. A luncheon will follow at the Keweenaw Bay Fire Hall.
Friends may sign Don's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com