Leslie A. "Les" Haataja's Obituary
Leslie A. "Les" Haataja, age 61, of L'Anse, died peacefully Friday, June 9, 2017 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Chicago, IL on February 18, 1956, the son of Alex and Rosemary (Spruce) Haataja. Les was raised in L'Anse, MI and graduated from L'Anse High School in 1974. He continued his education at Suomi College earning an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, graduating with honors.
He married the former Cindi Koski on March 28, 1981. Les attended United Methodist Church in Zeba. He was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Ojibwa Senior Citizens. Over the years, Les worked for many companies, including Haataja Manufacturing, Tribal Construction and was a Sergeant with Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC). He was a Sergeant with the Michigan Department of Corrections where he worked for over 24 years, retiring March 1, 2017.
Les loved to keep busy outdoors by camping, fishing, hunting and doing yard work. He spent many summers at the farm making hay. He loved spending time with his family.
Les is survived by his loving wife Cindi, children Leslie (Megan) Haataja II, Corey (Angela) Haataja and Cody Haataja. His grandchildren Jackson and Kyla were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his mother, Rosemary Haataja, brothers William "Sonny" Haataja, Randy (Lynn) Haataja, Steve Haataja, Darren Haataja and sister Laurie (Mark) Irwin as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Alex Haataja, cousin Terry Haataja, mother-in-law D. Jeanne Koski and father-in-law William C. Koski.
The family greeted friends at the Zeba Hall on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 2pm. Funeral services were held at 4 pm with Pastor John Henry officiating. The Michigan Department of Corrections Honor Guard were present. Interment took place in the Pinery Cemetery. Immediately following the interment, friends were invited to join the family for fellowship and a luncheon at the Zeba Hall.
What’s your fondest memory of Leslie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leslie?
Share a story where Leslie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leslie you’ll never forget.
How did Leslie make you smile?
