David Jalkanen

David was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Kathryn Rothwell Nault; parents, Arvo John Jalkanen and Rosella Hilma Margaret Pesola; siblings, Ruth Verville, Dale Jalkanen and Gerald Jalkanen; nephews, Thomas Parkkonen and Paul Mlot; great-nephew, Zachary Metzner; brothers-in-law, William Metzner and John “Marty” Conley.

David is survived by his children, Michelle Marie (Ray) Reno, Scott Jalkanen, and John (Emily) Jalkanen; grandchildren, Lauren (Chris) Phetteplace, Patrick (Andraya) Brewster, Emma, Dominic, and Nora Jalkanen; great-grandchildren, Jakoby and Scarlett Brewster; siblings, Linda (Dennis) MLot, Nancy Metzner, Karl Jalkanen, Jack (Wendy) Jalkanen and Diane Conley; brother-in-law, Jim Verville; sisters-in-law, Sue Jalkanen, Linda Jalkanen and Margaret (Steven) Parkkonen; god-children, Gail Parkkonen, Brian (Becky) Parkkonen and Lydia Mlot; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

David was a Christian. He received baptism and confirmation at Trinity Lutheran Church. He also attended Sunday School and Vacation Bible School regularly as a child. His faith was very important to him and he did his best to live out his faith through service to others.

David was a valedictorian of the Chassell High School class of 1964. He accepted scholarships to Michigan Technological University, where he earned a bachelor of science and master of science degrees in mathematics.

David was drafted into the United States Army infantry in 1968 and was granted a one-year deferment by his local draft board due to family hardships. After being stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana for infantry training, David served the rest of his service obligation with the Michigan Army National Guard; three years with the 107th Engineer Battalion in Baraga and three years with the 207th Engineer Battalion in Muskegon. David’s unit was preparing for deployment to Vietnam when the war ended in 1975.

David accepted employment with General Telephone Company in October of 1971 and stayed with the company, now known as Verizon, until his retirement.

As the oldest of nine children and a second-generation Finnish American, David learned the value of responsibility, hard work, education, giving back, and SISU. He worked on his grandpa’s farm and his dad’s farm. He shared stories of clearing fields, bailing hay, milking cows, working in the garden and apple orchard. He also helped his dad on the milk route. He worked at the service stations in Chassell and Pelkie, as well as in the copper mine when school was not in session. He recalled enjoying a sauna at his grandparents’ home after the work of the week was complete. He took pride in a job well done and was willing to do any form of honest work.

David and Mary raised their children and made their home in Houghton, Muskegon, Michigan, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Harbor Springs, Michigan, and Bloomington. None of these places replaced his love for Chassell and the Copper Country. He looked forward to coming back home whenever he was able.

He loved the U.P. tradition of “going visiting,” where he would enjoy a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, and shooting the bull with family and friends.

David loved his family and took every opportunity to attend any celebration he could. He could be found at reunions, baptisms, weddings, funerals, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and camping trips.

A celebration of life will be held for David with a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell, followed by interment with military honors conducted by the Copper Country Veterans Association at Elo Cemetery.

David’s family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service.

To view David’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.