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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Donna J. Destrampe-Pyykkonen 84 years old, a 67 year resident of Painesdale MI, went home to be with the Lord on March 26 2023. She went peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy illness. She was born in Hancock MI on July 22 1938, the daughter of Francis and Linda (Ollikainen) Destrampe. Donna was a loving wife and stay-at-home mother until her children were school age, at which time she began a career working at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility as a nurses aide, and retired after 23 years.
She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Donna loved her family dearly and spent countless hours with her grandchildren. She had a very giving heart and gift giving was her way of expressing it. Her other interests were embroidering and traveling any distance to be with her family.
On August 14 1954, she married Milton Duane (Duke) Pyykkonen, a Korean War Veteran, from Painesdale MI. They shared a loving marriage of nearly 69 years. Together they had 7 children, there first born, Christine Marie, went to be with the Lord at 2 days old.
Donna was proceeded in death by her parents, Francis & Linda Destrampe, a daughter Christine Marie, a grandson Craig D. Coponen, a granddaughter Pretty Patty Paternoster, great granddaughter Abrielle B. Matson, and son-in-laws Gary Simonson and Bob Wallace.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years Milton (Duke) Pyykkonen and her 6 children Debra J. Tolonen (John) Debra’s son Tyler; Diane Wallace (Robin Weinfurtner) children Kris, Andrew, Elizabeth; Cheryl Gutberlet (Mick) children Stephanie, Alisha, Mylon; Judy Paternoster (Rob) children Jauntae, Molly, Kyle, Bobbi Jo, Cory, Pretty Patty; Milton Pyykkonen (Sandy) children Rachelle, Jordan, Avery, Sierra, Caleb, Phillip, Sam, Simon, Lydia; Connie Coponen (John) children, Michael, Jeremy, Ashley, Kristen, Alyssa, Kayla, Justin, Marcus, Craig, Adam, Amanda, Justiina, Janessa, Johanna. She’s also survived by two sisters, Barbara Juopperi (Fred-deceased) and Sharon Berryman (Gordon-deceased); one brother Francis Destrampe(Donna), many nieces and nephews and 56 great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in South Range MI, on Thursday, March 30 2023 and will be officiated by Pastor Dave Lappi. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 pm and funeral service will be at 2:00. A lunch will be served at Atlantic Mine Apostolic Lutheran Church directly after the service.
To view Donna’s obituary or to send condolences please visit memorialchapel.net
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.
