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Donald J. Kippola

ISHPEMING, MI – Donald John Kippola, 93, of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully in the care of his loving family and UP Home Health and Hospice on Thursday evening, February 2, 2017 at the Teal Lake Senior Living Community.

Donald was born January 21, 1924 in National Mine to William and Alma (Ruuska) Kippola and grew up in Black River Location. He met Margaret LaMere and they were united in marriage on January 20, 1945.

Mr. Kippola began his working career as a hoist operator for Cleveland Cliffs. After 17 years with CCI, the family moved to Plymouth, MI where he was employed as a maintenance carpenter for both Burroughs Corporation for 12 years and the State of Michigan, retiring in 1986 with 13 years of service for the State.

Mr. Kippola was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, Negaunee Township. In his free time he enjoyed bowling, golfing, and as a skilled carpenter and ‘jack-of-all-trades’ you could often find him tinkering in the garage. Most of all, Donald enjoyed time spent with his family. In his younger years, he and his wife built a camp on Lake Arfelin where they enjoyed spending summers. They were also proud of building two homes together,one in Plymouth and the other in Ishpeming.

Surviving are his daughter, Sue (Jim) Miller of Parkton, MD; son, Gary (Susan) Kippola of Republic; two grandchildren: Tammy (Shawn) Schoenbeck and Katie Miller; two great-grandchildren: Shane and Kaleigh Schoenbeck; great-great-granddaughter, Addilynn Schoenbeck; sister-in-law, Marie Kippola; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 70 years, Margaret (LaMere) Kippola on Nov. 24, 2014; three brothers: Arnold, Harold and George ‘Art’ Kippola; and his sister, Ruth (Marvin) Hjelt.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 7th at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church with Dan Hintsala officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday, and also at a luncheon in the church hall immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Donald’s name to the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Mr. Kippola’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.