Danny Ayotte

Danny Lee Ayotte, 77, longtime Negaunee resident passed away peacefully Saturday evening, December 30, 2023, at his daughter’s home under the care of his loving family U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Danny was born February 9, 1946, in Ishpeming to the late Arthur and Lillian (Aho) Ayotte and graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1966. After high school, he was drafted into the military and served in the United States Army, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and was recognized as a Rifle Sharpshooter and Expert Grenade Launcher. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

He started his 34-year mining career in 1969 with Cleveland Cliffs at the Ore Improvement Plant until his transfer to the Empire Mine in 1980. It should come as no surprise he was known to be the master grader operator and meticulous how he maintained the roads for the other equipment operators to travel around the pit. Unfortunately, health issues led to his early retirement in July 2003, and the enjoyment he felt from working at Cleveland Cliffs was cut short.

Danny enjoyed playing pool, cribbage, and darts and was a member of Ishpeming and Negaunee leagues for several years. People that knew Danny at the core were blessed to have known a humble, giving, simple, honest, kind- and soft-hearted man, and those that got to truly experience and feel it were even luckier. In 2019, he demonstrated his authentic self when he won in the Michigan Lottery playing Club Keno “The Jack” while sitting in his ‘reserved’ seat at the Venice Supper Club in Ishpeming. The next day he called his daughter — not with the news or excitement — to ask her where the Social Security Office was located. It wasn’t until she asked him why, and he nonchalantly said, “I won The Jack last night.” Even when he was interviewed while claiming his prize, Danny wanted to remain anonymous and said he had no plans on how he was going to spend his winnings. Then, likely no surprise to most — a John Deere Gator, John Deere Tractor showed up, and a few vehicles because Danny’s time limit for trading in vehicles was notably shorter than most.

Danny is survived by two sons, Gary (Tammy) Ayotte of Green Bay and Scott (Amy) Ayotte of Gladstone; his daughter, Diane (Tim) Dix of Negaunee; six grandchildren: Taylor (Jai So) Ayotte of Raleigh, NC, Gavin Ayotte of Green Bay, Cambrie Perala of Negaunee, Logan Ayotte, Carson Ayotte, and Kamryn Ayotte all of Gladstone; one brother, Steven (June) Ayotte of Ishpeming; nephew, Mark Ayotte; nieces: Kim Orred, April Valela, Amanda Jacobson, Michielle Boyce, and Celina Ayotte; and several other cousins, relatives, and friends.

It may seem like a non-traditional family from the outside, but Danny’s bond with his former spouse, Tami Jandron and her children: Sara Jandron, Steven (Jess) Wainio, David (Michelle Knight) Mattson, and Melinda (Eric Goethe) Mattson; and grandchildren: Jordan (Sidney) Porter, Katrina Porter, Kayden, Lincoln, and Madison Mattson, and Talon and Nolin Goethe were no different than if they’d been related by blood. Danny made a promise to Tami’s mother, Gail before her passing that he would take care of her daughter, and he never let any circumstance or label erase his promise.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Ayotte; sister-in-law, Janice Ayotte; son-in-law, John Perala; his granddaughter, Addison Perala; and former mother- and father-in law, Gail and Clifford Jandron.

Danny held a special place in his soul for dogs and was often known to be a dog whisperer. Again, people that truly knew Danny, understand the message being sent when saying sometimes his ability to interact with dogs far outweighed his ability to interact with people. Danny will be greatly missed by his fur babies, Aussie and Dumpling, but was greeted and reunited by his fur babies: Peanut, Frankie, Shiela, and Siggy.

Danny’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Jerold Napier for the many years of outstanding care he provided and did it with such compassion and grace. The family would like to give a special thank you to family friend and physical therapist Jaime Green for her commitment and working tirelessly with our dad to regain his independence and giving him and us another year together. Our family will be eternally grateful for Dr. Jerold Napier and Jaime Green.

Per Danny’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services and a private gathering for the immediate family to celebrate Danny’s life will take place at a later date.

Mr. Ayotte’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.