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Donald O. Keippela

HANCOCK — Donald O. Keippela, 85, formerly of Elo, passed away Friday, August 28, 2020, at Canal View Houghton County.

Don was born April 29, 1935, in Hancock, a son of the late Oscar and Svea (Kyro) Keippela, and was a 1953 graduate of the John A. Doelle High School in Tapiola.

He was married to Rita Bezeau in Boseman, Montana. Rita passed away in 1994.

Don was self employed doing carpentry work most of his life. He was proud of his Finnish heritage and was fluent in the Finnish language his entire life.

Don is survived by a brother, Robert “Bob” Keippela; sisters, Shirley (Roy) Tapio, Carol (Don) Petrelius, Doris (Carl) Grussendorf and Donna (Kevin) Ruohonen; a sister-in-law, Barb Keippela; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents and wife, Don was also preceded in death by a brother, David; a sister-in-law, Pat Keippela; and a nephew, Mickey Keippela.

Graveside services for Don will be held at the Elo Cemetery on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 12:15 p.m. with Pastor Jesse Aho to officiate. Arrangements are being handled by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.