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David Allen Laitala

David Laitala

MICHIGAMME, MI – David Allen Laitala, 81, passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at Marquette Medical Care Facility.

He was born on May 12, 1939 in Ishpeming, to the late Vivian (Maki) and Victor Laitala. He was a 1956 graduate of Champion High School and a lifelong resident of Humboldt and Michigamme. He worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company at the Humboldt, Republic, and Tilden Mines for 30 years until his retirement.

Known to his many friends and family as Dave, his kindness, good nature and compassion will not soon be forgotten.

Dave was a member of Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church, Ishpeming Elks Club, Champion Lions Club, Pioneer Kiwanis, Moose County Snowmobile Club, and Champion Volunteer Fire Department. He loved spending time with his family, hunting, snowmobiling, and watching the Green Bay Packers. One of his fondest memories was seeing his team win the 1997 Super Bowl in New Orleans with his late friend Brian Ogea.

Dave is survived by his children; Gary (Lynn) Laitala of Champion, MI, and Amy (Don) Goheski of De Pere, WI. His grandchildren; Judi Laitala and Jordan and Noah Goheski. Brother; Larry (Peggy) Laitala, sister-in-law; Mary Ann Voegtline and brother-in-law; Wilho Ritola, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friend and companion Judy Wiig.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rachel, step-father, Arvo Maki and sister, Sandra Biekola.

The family would like to thank Marquette Medical Care Facility for the wonderful care they gave to Dave during his two-year stay, especially to Trudy for her morning visits.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center c/o NMU Foundation 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855 or online <\@> nmu.edu/give in memory of David Laitala.

Due to current restriction concerning COVID-19, a private service will be held at the Eastwood Apostolic Church in Negaunee.

David’s funeral service will be live streamed at Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church’s Facebook page on Friday November 19, 2020 at 12:00 Noon.

A Celebration to honor Dave’s life will be held at a future date.

Dave’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.