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Rudolph Eino Haataja Jr., age 52 of L’Anse, MI passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
He was born October 10, 1964 in L’Anse, son of Rudolph and Joyce (Springsteen) Haataja. Rudy attended L’Anse schools, was in the Army National Guard for 15 years. He married the former Debra Larson on August 12, 1995.
At a young age Rudy began working for Local Roofing and Tribal Construction, along with other odd jobs. He was with the Baraga County Road Commission for 15 years. In 2002, he started his own company, Haataja Truck’n. Work was his passion, it brought him great joy. Rudy also enjoyed snowmobiling with his girls, boating, and ice fishing.
Surviving are his wife Debra, daughters, Katelyn and Autumn (Kyle Ahola); mother Joyce (Jim) Grgurich; brothers, Brian and Jeff Haataja; sisters Cindy (Elwood) Niemi and Kim LeClaire all of L’Anse; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; special dog Lilly; and is expecting his first grandchild, Ryker Rudy.
He is preceded in death by his father, Rudolph; grandparents, Mary and Bill Hannila, Rose and Eino Haataja.
A celebration of Rudy’s life will be held on Thursday, June 29th from 11-3:00 p.m. at the KBIC Zeba Hall, with sharing of memories at 1 p.m. Food and fellowship will be throughout the celebration. His burial will follow at the Pinery Cemetery.
Friends may sign Rudy’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
