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David John Waananen

ISHPEMING TWP. — David John Waananen, age 78, of 410 Peterson Ave Ishpeming, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020, at The Lighthouse at Ishpeming Health & Rehabilitation Center.

David was born in Laurium, on March 1, 1942, a son of the late Lily Mae (Harry) Dower and Eino August Waananen. He graduated from Hancock High School. David served two years in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

David worked as an underground miner in the Upper Peninsula for many different mining companies including C&H, White Pine, Ropes Gold Mine and Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company where he worked at the Mather A & B Mines. He also worked as a Generator Mechanic and Lineman for the ELF Project where he retired from in 2005.

David was a typical Yooper who enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood working, and was known as a jack of all trades type of guy.

David is survived by his wife Marlene (Dodge) Waananen, whom he married on May 25, 1962, two sons: Kurt (Loretta) Waananen and Mark Waananen, a sister Lynn Olson all of Ishpeming, grandchildren: Jack Waananen, Madison Waananen, Diana (Nick) Bazinette, Kali (Darren) Jennings, great grandchildren: Cooper and Ave LaPin, Jaxson and Josie Bazinette, sister in law Pat Butler, along with nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents: Eino Waananen and Lily Mae (William) Dower, a son David “Smiley” Waananen and a nephew Eric Butler.

A Private Celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date.

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