As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Donald W. Juntunen, 86, a former resident of Houghton Canal Road, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Canal View – Houghton County, where he had been a resident for the past month.
He was born on September 29, 1939, in Bessmer, MI, the son of the late William A. and Julia (Soine) Juntunen. Don was raised in the Houghton Canal and attended the Canal School and Redridge Schools before graduating from the Houghton High School with the class of 1957. He then attended Michigan Technological University.
Don was a veteran having served with the United State Navy.
Following the service he returned to the Copper Country and was united in marriage to Elaine Ylitalo February 3, 1962. Elaine preceded Don in death on April 27, 1996. On May 10, 2000, Don was united in marriage to the former H. Marie (Knuutila) Kangas. The couple has made their home on the family farm until moving to the Bluff’s Senior Living Community this past June.
Don was an active person throughout his life. He had owned and operated Sandy’s Garage in Liminga for many years. He then worked for Michigan Technological University as a maintenance mechanic and was proud to be the Zamboni Operator for the Michigan Tech Hockey games for many years. Following his retirement from Michigan Tech, Don continued working a variety of jobs such as owning and operating Liminga Forest Products, and for Stanton Township caring for the Township Parks and the Kenner Dome. Don enjoyed playing and watching hockey and was a season ticket holder at Michigan Tech for many years. He enjoyed golfing, skating and spending time outdoors. Mr. Juntunen was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock and the Alfred Erickson Post #186 American Legion of Hancock.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife Elaine, his daughter Elizabeth and his son Daniel.
Surviving are: His wife: Marie Juntunen; His sons: Dennis (Jen) Juntunen and David (Christine) Juntunen; His son-in-law: Alan Perla; His daughter-in-law: Michelle Juntunen; His grandchildren: Melissa (Michael) Strohm, Andrew Perla, Sam Juntunen, Ben Juntunen and Grace (Mitchell)Juntunen ;His great-grandson: Merrick Strohm ;His stepchildren: Dave (Michelle Lepak) Kangas, Tammy (Harlan) Hilman, Gerry (Jo) Kangas, Kelly (Mike Jarvi) Kitti, & Kara (Scott) Destrampe; 21 step-grandchildren 42 step-great-grandchildren; & Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends
A memorial service for Don will be held 12 noon Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock, with Rev. Peter Vorhes and Pastor Jesse Aho to officiate. Burial will be in the Oskar Cemetery.
Friends may call on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 10:00 am until time of services at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock.
Don’s family would like to thank the staff of Canal View — Houghton County for the care given to hime during stay.
To view Don’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Comments