Ishpeming Twp., MI- David John Waananen, age 78, of 410 Peterson Ave Ishpeming, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020, at The Lighthouse at Ishpeming Health & Rehabilitation Center.

David was born in Laurium, Michigan on March 1, 1942, a son of the late Lily Mae (Harry) Dower and Eino August Waananen.  He graduated from Hancock High School.  David served 2 years in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

David worked as an underground miner in the Upper Peninsula for many different mining companies including C&H, White Pine, Ropes Gold Mine and Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company where he worked at the Mather A & B Mines.  He also worked as a Generator Mechanic and Lineman for the ELF Project where he retired from in 2005.

David was a typical Yooper who enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood working, and was known as a jack of all trades type of guy.

David is survived by his wife Marlene (Dodge) Waananen, whom he married on May 25, 1962, 2 sons: Kurt (Loretta) Waananen and Mark Waananen, a sister Lynn Olson all of Ishpeming, grandchildren: Jack Waananen, Madison Waananen, Diana (Nick) Bazinette, Kali (Darren) Jennings, great grandchildren: Cooper and Ave LaPin, Jaxson  and Josie Bazinette, sister in law Pat Butler, along with nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents: Eino Waananen and Lily Mae (William) Dower, a son David "Smiley" Waananen and a nephew Eric Butler.

A Private Celebration of David's life will be held at a later date.

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