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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Don R. Hiltunen, 78, a resident of Hancock and former area attorney passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on March 9, 1944, in Hancock, a son of the late Ahti and Miriam (Kallio) Hiltunen. Don was raised in Lake Linden and was a graduate of the Lake Linden High School with the class of 1962. He then graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1966 and Wayne State Law School.
Mr. Hiltunen began a career as an attorney with the firm of Wisti & Jaskelainen in Hancock. In 1973, he then started the law firm of Mikkola & Hiltunen along with John Mikkola. Since 1983 he had operated his own law firm, until his retirement in 2008. Over the years Don had helped many people and had been the attorney for the City of Hancock for many years.
On July 1, 1972, he was united in marriage to the former Jean Leinonen. The couple resided in Houghton before moving to make their home in Hancock, where they raised their family.
Mr. Hiltunen was very active in the community in his chosen field. He had been and was active with the Copper Country Bar Association as well as the Michigan Bar Association. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagle, Moose Lodge, and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was active with MIOSHA, a Life Member of the NRA, and Ducks Unlimited. Don had a wide range of interests. He was an avid collector of many items such as guns, pottery, knives, and documents. He was a history buff and enjoyed volunteering with the Houghton County Historical Museum in Lake Linden. He also enjoyed visiting with friends at the deer and goose camp. Don and Jean enjoyed traveling within the United States, visiting all but one of the states. They also enjoyed trips to Europe. In retirement, they enjoyed wintering in Florida and returning home to be with family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents and numerous aunts and uncles.
Surviving are:
His wife: Jean Hiltunen of Hancock
His daughter: Amy Hiltunen of Lansing, MI
His son: Chad Hiltunen of Hancock
Numerous cousins
A time to remember Don will be held Monday, June 27, 2022, from 5 to 7:00 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock. A graveside service will take place Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock with Rev. Brahm Semmler Smith to officiate.
To view Don’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorial contributions be given to the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum the Houghton County History Museum, or Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
