DONALD E. LAITILA

DONALD E. LAITILA, 64, of Pelkie, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2006 at Marquette General Hospital. He was born in Askel, MI. on February 10, 1942 son of the late Edward and Mayme (Heikkinen) Laitila. Donald attended John A. Doelle School. He worked for a short time in the copper mines then in 1960 moved to Detroit where he was a residential and commercial drywall finisher. Donald was inducted into the US Army during the Vietnam conflict from 1964 to 1966. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 324. Donald returned to the area in 1975 where he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the construction field. He was an avid outdoorsmen, he loved to hunt, fish, and be in the woods. Donald was a doting grandfather and dearly loved his grandchildren. He was very fond of "tinkering" taking things apart and putting them back together. Mr. Laitila is survived by his loving children, son, Donald "D.J." Laitila of Negaunee, MI., and Tammi Parker of Green Bay, WI., grandchildren, Joshua, Hailey, Justin, and Courtney, brothers, Robert (Joan) Laitila of Kewennaw Bay, Howard (Peggy) Laitila of Keweenaw Bay, Wesley (Sue) Laitila of Keweenaw Bay, Edsel Laitila of Elo, David Laitila of L’Anse, Roger Laitila of Askel, and sisters, Shirley Schuman of Brighton, MI.and Lori Stingle (Jim) of Tapiola. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce, and brother, Roland. Funeral services for Mr. Laitila were held at 6 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2006 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Pastor Scott Williams officiating. Spring interment will take place in the Kargi Hill Cemetery, Askel, MI. The family received friends at the funeral chapel on Monday from 4 p.m. until time of the service. Baraga County area veterans, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444 conducted military honors at 6:30 p.m. Following military honors, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and refreshments in the Harrington Gathering room, located at the funeral home. The Reid Funeral Service and L'Anse has been entrusted with arrangements. Mr. Laitila's obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.rfsc.net.