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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Carl “Gus” Andrew Haapala of Traprock Valley, Michigan passed away on March 7, 2023, at the Omega House after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gus was born on August 10, 1938, in Bootjack, Michigan to Lillian Haapala and James Sullivan.
He graduated from Lake Linden-Hubbell High School in 1956 and went on to study at Henry Ford Community College after moving to Redford, MI. It was in Redford that he met the love of his life, Joyce Sims. They were married January 20, 1961 and recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary. Gus worked as a Millwright and was a member of his union for over 50 years. He retired from HK Systems in May, 2010 after 25 years. Gus was also a proud member of the U.S. National Guard. Gus served faithfully in the Atlanta, Georgia temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while living in Georgia. His faith in God and Jesus Christ gave him many opportunities to serve in Church callings that helped his testimony to grow: a Branch President, High Councilman, Boy Scout Master, Cub Scout leader and many more. In his younger days, Gus enjoyed spending time with the “Bootjack Boys”, working on cars, drag racing, attending NASCAR races, writing poems, playing Scrabble, being a member of the Calumet Keweenaw Sportsmen’s Club along with serving friends and neighbors.
Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian (Haapala) Marjamaa and James Sullivan. Two brothers, James Sullivan and Jeremiah Sullivan and his sister, Kathy (Sullivan) Blair preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Haapala, sons, Mark “Butch” Haapala of Traprock Valley and Randy (Sarah) Haapala of Utah and daughters, Jacqueline Haapala of California, Sheri Wall of Utah and Renee (Bryan) Henrie of Texas. Gus and Joyce have 12 grandchildren. Jessica, Justine, Bryan II, Chelsea, Colin, Kaley, Marissa, Matthew, Brittany, Kelsi, Olivia, and Victoria. Gus and Joyce also have four great grandchildren.
Gus is also survived by brothers Dale (Stephanie) Marjamaa, David (Denise) Marjamaa and Daryl (Julie) Marjamaa, and sisters, Mary (Larry) Rose, Darlene (John) Borysewicz, Debbie (Timothy) Jacoby, Dianne (Chris) Holmes and Marlene (Sullivan) Gregory.
We are ever grateful to all family, friends, neighbors, church members, as well as all at the Omega House who helped care for Dad so tenderly, diligently and with true Christ-like love.
A service for Gus Haapala will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 47691 Meadow St, Houghton, MI on Tuesday, March 14 at 1pm with a visitation at 12:00 (noon) preceding the service. Joel Neves will officiate the service. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in the springtime.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left for the family at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
