Donald Joseph Luokkala

Don was born January 23, 1940 in Ishpeming to Paul And Delsie (Mingori) Luokkala, attended both Negaunee Public and Negaunee St. Paul schools, and was a lifelong area resident. He married Jean M. Saari on December 26, 1959, and together they raised their family in Negaunee Township. Don was a gifted carpenter who worked for the Carpenter’s Union, Local 1510 for over 55 years. He took great pride in being part of the building of so many homes, camps and businesses in Marquette County. He spent equal time helping his family and friends with their projects.

In his spare time, he loved being at his camp on Charley Lakes where he could be found hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, taking a sauna, and being with his beloved family. He was an avid fan of the Negaunee Miners, Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball, was a ski jumper and a longtime member of the Ishpeming Ski Club.

Surviving are his beloved wife of over 64 years, Jean Luokkala of Negaunee Township; his son, Kevin (Meredith) Luokkala of Negaunee; his daughter, Connie (Scott) Johnson of Suomi Location; six grandchildren: Abi (Tony) Brunetto, Brooke Luokkala and her husband, Enrique Tomas, Payton Luokkala, Eli Luokkala, Michael (Faith) Jennings, and Aaron (Leslie) Jennings; three great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Lincoln Jennings, and Robin Tomas; his brothers: Gordon, Peter, and Gerald (Roberta) Luokkala; two sisters, Barbara Piskorz and Nancy Stimac; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, John and Paul Luokkala.

Memorial services will be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, January 22nd at Koskey Funeral Home, with Rev. James Larsen officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 AM until the start of services at 12:30 PM at the funeral home on Monday, and also at a luncheon immediately following services at the Negaunee Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Don’s memory to UPAWS.

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