Ishpeming – David M. Etelamaki, age 74, of 1670 Ellsworth St., Ishpeming passed away at UP Health System Marquette on Sunday September 11, 2016.

David was born September 12, 1941 in Ishpeming the son of the late William T. and Senia M. (Huhta) Etelamaki. David was a graduate of the Negaunee High School, Class of 1960. David served in the United States Navy from June of 1960 through March of 1964, having served on the USS Saratoga during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He had married Sandra Erkkila on Aug 25, 1962 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to this area and had worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 35 years retiring as shift foreman from the Tilden Mine on Feb. 29, 2000.

David was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church. He always supported his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities and had been a Little League coach as his children were growing up. He was an avid deer hunter and an active member of AA.

Survivors include his wife Sandra Etelamaki of Ishpeming, 4 children – sons – Scott (Lisa) Etelamaki of Negaunee, Craig (Jackie) Etelamaki of Ishpeming, Darren (Beth) Etelamaki of Lusby, MD and a daughter Rojean (Ted) Thomas of Green Bay, WI, a sister – Gloria (Marvin) Ranta of Lexington Park, MD, 2 brothers – William Etelamaki of Ishpeming and Robert (Carol) Etelamaki of Coon Rapids, MN, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Greg and Marilyn Mahoski, 13 grandchildren – Brooke, Brittany, Addie, Eric, Katrina, Dylan, Kathryn, Danny, Kristina, Aaron, Nick, Marie and Ella along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant brother.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10am until 12noon on Saturday September 24, 2016 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Memorial services will follow at 12:00noon on Saturday September 24, 2016 with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Interment will take place at the Negaunee Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to either the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans or the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

David's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .