ALEXANDER A. "ALEX" HAATAJA's Obituary
ALEXANDER A. "ALEX" HAATAJA, 73, of L'Anse, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2008 at the New Horizon Nursing Home in Ocala, Fl. He was born in Elo, Michigan on September 13, 1935, the son of the late Alfred and Olga (Sillanpaa) Haataja. Alex attended school at the John Doelle School in Tapiola. He married the former Rosemary Spruce in Baraga on May 21, 1955. Alex was a self employed welder and machinist in Baraga until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of Zeba Indian Mission United Methodist Church. Alex enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, and spending winters in Florida. He also enjoyed building and fixing things.
Mr. Haataja is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary, sons, Leslie A. (Cindi) Haataja, William A. Haataja, Randall R. (Lynn) Haataja, Steven S. Haataja, and Darren D. Haataja all of L'Anse, daughter, Laurie A. (Mark) Irwin of Baraga, grandchildren, Leslie, Corey, Amanda, Jennie, and Cody, Steve Irwin, and Sean Spruce, great grandchildren, brothers, Louis (Judy) Haataja of Saginaw, TX, Severi Haataja of Arnheim, and Leslie Haataja of Elo, sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” (Eddie) Holzman of Baraga, Jenny Kaster of Elo, Jean (Ray) Juntunen of Baraga, and Elma (Mike) Heikkinen of Elo. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by sisters, Martha, and Nelda, brothers, Brynols “Bruno”, Willard, Ernest, Fabian, Norman, and niece, Terry Lee..
Funeral services for Mr. Haataja were held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2008 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Pastor John Henry officiating. Spring interment will take place in the Pinery Cemetery. The family received friends on Sunday, December 21, 2008 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse and on Monday morning from 10 a.m until the time of the service.
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