Champion - Erik J. "Coon" Kinnunen, age 42, of Champion passed away unexpectedly in a single vehicle car accident in Sagola on Tuesday October 13, 2020.

Erik was born in Ishpeming on March 30, 1978, son of Roger Kinnunen and the late Earlene (Brazeau) Kinnunen.  He was a graduate of the Republic / Michigamme High School, Class of 1996 and attended NMU for 2 years. Erik was a member of the IBEW, Local 906 since 2001 and had been working for MJ Electric in Iron Mountain for the past 4 years as an Electrician Apprentice.  He really had a passion for his work and was a perfectionist at everything he did. He was also a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Erik enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, his music, working on his Ford Trucks and loved his walks and rides in the woods, this is his favorite time of year. Erik has been quite a survivor all his life he would never give up on anything, he had such a fearless way of life.

He is also survived by his loving fiancée' and best friend Michelle Kulju of Champion; brother Kelly Overmeyer; he affectionately referred to Kim and Theresa Mattila as mom and dad, also Mike Rausch whom he really looked up to and grew a special tight father/son bond with; Grandmother Barbara Rovedo; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Erik was preceded in death by his mother Earlene Kinnunen; Grandmother Vivian Waati and his beloved German Shepherd Gunnar.

Family and friends are invited to the Republic Twp. Fire Hall on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 1:00-4:00 PM for a celebration of Erik's life.  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic all are asked to wear masks and adhere to social distancing.

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