Obituary: Donald S. Manninen

As received from the  Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:

Livonia, MI

Donald S. Manninen, 91, a resident of Livonia, MI and former Copper Country resident, went home to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020.

He was born on March 15, 1929, in Dodgeville, a son of the late John and Kustaava (Kaarlela) Manninen. Don was a graduate of Houghton High School and Suomi College (Finlandia University).

Mr. Manninen was a veteran who served with the United States Army, and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Don moved to the Detroit area. He attended Wayne State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Accounting. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (Redford) where he served as treasurer and usher for numerous years (now Celebration Lutheran Church, Westland). He was also a member of the Finnish Center in Farmington Hills and the American Legion. He worked as an accountant at Holley Carburetor and retired after many years. In retirement, he moved to Spring Hill, Florida where he was a member of the Finnish American Club in New Port Richey and served as president for several years. He loved spending time with family and friends.
Don returned to the Detroit area in 2010 and made his home in Livonia with his great-niece and her husband.

Throughout his life he had a great affection for his Finnish heritage and sports. He was on many golf leagues, bowling leagues, and he even played baseball until he was 65. He loved watching all sports, especially the Detroit Tigers and his beloved Red Sox. He was an expert at baseball trivia! He enjoyed spending summers in Dodgeville, working crossword puzzles, listening to music, using the computer and reading. He also enjoyed traveling, when he was able to.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his siblings: Lillian (John) Komula, Celia (Henry) Kotila, Arthur, Reino (Fran), Rudolph (Virginia), Roy “Norko”, and Wallace “Copper”.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and families. He cherished all of them very much. They will greatly miss Uncle Don. He was a gentle, loving man filled with faith and a warm smile.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service Friday, June 19 at Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. at Memorial Chapel, officiated by Pastor Brahm Sellmer Smith. In addition, there will be a graveside committal service with military honors at Atlantic Mine Cemetery.

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

The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements.