Obituary: Francis G. Destrampe

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

UPDATE: Graveside military honors will be held 12 noon on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Mt. View Cemetery of South Range with the Copper Country Veterans Association conducting the honors.

Francis Gordon Destrampe, 80 of Painesdale, passed away on December 18, 2023.

Francis was born on December 31, 1942 to Francis and Linda (Ollikainen) Destrampe in Hancock. Francis graduated from Houghton High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army. While in the military he traveled world-wide and especially enjoyed his time in Germany. 

Francis married Donna (Laru) on April 30, 1962. They celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Francis and Donna had 4 children.

Francis was employed by the Copper Range Mining Company, and later worked for the White Pine Copper Mine for 30 years. He also did custodial work for the South Range State Bank. Upon his retirement from the mines, he worked for the Elm River School as a custodian and bus driver. He loved his time at the school and especially enjoyed working with all of the students. 

After his retirement, he loved spending time at his hunting camp, where he had many special friends, who also became part of his family. Francis especially enjoyed his time with Chris Ford and Paul Tussing. He loved them so much and considered them as his own sons. Francis’s family will always be grateful for everything they have done for him, and the joy they brought to his life. Francis was an avid sports fan. He especially loved his Detroit teams.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Donna (Milton) Pyykkonen, and brother-in-laws, Edwin Laru, Carlo Laru, Fred Joupperi, and Gordie Berryman. He is survived by his wife, Donna and four children, Tiina (Roger) Puska, Frank (Sue) Destrampe, Pam (Danny) Taavola, and Jim (Heather Freeman) Destrampe, his grandchildren, Jessica Puska, Ashley (Drew) Larsen, Brittany (Paul) Mohler, Michael (Courtney) Destrampe, Kayla Destrampe, Danielle (Mark) Hendrickson, Brandon Taavola, and Jacquie Destrampe, great grandchildren, Ayden, Sylvi, Miila, Lennox, Landon, Charlee, Henry, and Eleanor, his special boys Rocky and Thor, sisters Barbara Joupperi and Sharon Berryman, sister-in-laws, Shirley Laru and Kathy Laru, brother-in-law, Milton Pyykkonen and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Francis was known as Camp Dad to Chris Ford, Paul Tussing, and Robbie Brooks. His other camp family included Randy Velmer, Patrick Beyers,and all of his extended family at the Church in the Valley. Francis’ family would like to extend a special thanks to Tim Johnson and Heather Allen for the way they always took care of Francis. Francis loved them and appreciated all they did for him.

Francis’ family would also like to extend a special thank you to all of the wonderful people who went out to search for him including the Houghton and Baraga County Sheriffs’ Departments, DNR, Forest Service, Houghton City Police, MSP and other local police departments, Superior and Baraga County Search and Rescue, Bay EMS, state and county snow plow drivers, and everyone who prayed for his safe return. We will be forever grateful for the Church in the Valley, Parkview Lodge and Grill, Krupps Mini Mart, and Four Seasons for the food and beverages they provided for the search crews.

At Francis’ request there will be no funeral service. A spring burial will take place. 

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

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mountain View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family.