Ishpeming- Donald F. Sangala, age 66 of 26805 Co. Rd. 581 Ishpeming, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Bell Hospital after battling ALS for the past 2 years.

Don was born December 23, 1942 in Negaunee to the late Eino E. & Dagmar (Hintsala) Sangala. Don graduated from Ishpeming High School and graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1965 with a Bachelors degree. Don also served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.

Don worked as an insurance adjuster for Adjusting Services Unlimited and later for his own company Green Cricket Claims. Don enjoyed restoring classic cars, staying fit by skiing, walking and rollerblading. Don also enjoyed traveling and researching genealogy.

Don is survived by his wife Faye (Millimaki Kari) Sangala, to whom he has been married to for 17 years, a step son Todd & his wife Nadine Kari of Negaunee, two grandsons: Joe & Jake Kari, a sister June Sangala of Decatur, GA along with several cousins. Don was preceded in death by his father Eino Sangala and mother Dagmar (Hintsala Sangala) Eskela.


Funeral services will be held 5:00 pm Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Bud Holmes officiating. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Friends may call the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Wednesday from 3:00 pm until the time of service at 5:00 pm.

The Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 380 will conduct military honors following the funeral service.

A luncheon will be held following the service at the Tilden Twp Hall, 3145 Co. RD. Pg.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Kauppila, Gary Ostola, Dennis Salmer, Kim Mallett, Chris Crockett, Dave Saxten, Pete Marietti and Roger Herman.