Obituary: Don W. Kilpela

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Don W. Kilpela, 69, resident of Atlantic Mine, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, in his home surrounded by family. He was born on June 17, 1954, in Hancock, the son of the late Tauno and Toini (Wiitala) Kilpela. Don graduated from Jeffers High School in 1972 and earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Michigan Tech in 1976. He then moved to Finland to study the Finnish language and connect with his Finnish roots. On July 1, 1978, he married Marja Huhdanmäki in Helsinki and they moved to the United States. Don eventually built his family home in Obenhoff, adding a sauna with a spring-fed cold plunge  Don and Marja raised 5 sons and enjoyed a life centered on faith in God, time spent in nature, and a warm home that was welcome to all. 

Don worked in technical writing and carpentry before working for 33 years at the Michigan Tech Campus bookstore until 2018. Don was devoted to his Christian faith, serving as a board member at Range Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Don was a lifelong learner pursuing numerous passions. He enjoyed dog sledding, skiing, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and canoe camping at Wolf Point as ways to observe God’s creation, often reflecting on his experiences in creative writing. His eye for design is shown in his handcrafted rocking chairs and other woodwork. He was a steward of the land, planting trees, beekeeping, gardening, and raising sheep. Some of Don’s greatest joys were the births of his children and grandchildren, and his family will remember “Vaari” as a devoted pillar of the family. He was known for enjoying a cup of coffee with ice cream and raspberries on a summer day, and will especially be remembered for his earnest reflective conversations and sharing his faith, often gathered around a campfire or candlelit table.

Preceding him in death were his parents. Surviving are: his wife: Marja Kilpela of Atlantic Mine; his children: Daniel (Gwen) Kilpela of Marquette, Mikael (Jenifer) Kilpela of Marquette, Samuel (Amanda) Kilpela of Atlantic Mine, David (Deanna) Kilpela of Atlantic Mine, and Jonathan (Alina) Kilpela of Helsinki, Finland; his grandchildren: Marion, Hugo, Anneli, Sylvia, Martin, Paola, Stina, Timo, Adelfiina, and Taavetti; his sister: Karla (Will) Pollard of Scarness, Australia. 

A funeral service for Don will be held at 11:00 am Friday, March 8, at the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church with Rev. Ernest Bylkas III to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery of South Range. Friends may call on Thursday, March 7 from 5-7 pm, and Friday from 10 am until the time of services at the church.

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

Don’s family would like to thank Dr. Goodwin’s staff at UP Health System – Portage, and Aspirus Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care. The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with arrangements.