Ishpeming – David A. Laksonen, age 60, longtime Ishpeming resident passed away on Thursday December 4, 2014 in Chocolay Twp. where he had been residing for the past 3 weeks.

David was born September 9, 1954 in Ishpeming the son of the late Richard and Evelyn (Koski) Laksonen. He attended the Ishpeming Schools until he entered the United States Marine Corps. Dave served with the MAG–15 during the Vietnam War in Thailand. Following his service time he returned to Ishpeming, working for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. (C.C.I.) for 15 years, starting at the Mather "B" mine and then moving to the Tilden Mine. Dave enjoyed hunting and was a member of the Ishpeming VFW.

Survivors include 4 sisters – Marti (John) Hardy of Houston, TX, Mary Manning of Negaunee, Ruth Perucco of Negaunee and Judy Johnson of San Antonio, TX; 2 brothers – Richard (Lori) Laksonen and Nathan (Juanita) Laksonen both of Ishpeming; a special friend – Dawn Akers of St. Ignace, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Anna Gray.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 – 11:00am on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am on Wednesday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Cathcart to officiate. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380, will accord Military Honors at the conclusion of the services. Interment will take place at the Negaunee Cemetery.

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