Diorite, MI- Jason A. "Gator" Laakso, age 47, Diorite resident passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023.

Jason was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on March 3, 1976, a son of Alan J. and Randi J. (Quayle) Laakso. Jason graduated from Westwood High School, Class of 1994, and received a technical certificate in sprinkler fitting from Penn State University.

Jason was formerly employed by Safeguard in Marquette where he worked for many years. Jason played high school basketball and was on the 1994 team that beat Saginaw Buena Vista to reach the semi-finals and after high school he played for Gogebic Community College and city league basketball. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, fur harvesting, coin collecting and was a KISS music fan.

Jason is survived by two sons Jacob (Kelly) Laakso, Hunter (Makenzie) Laakso, his parents Alan and Randi, a brother Jeremy (Karen) Laakso, a sister Jennifer (Josh) Oberg, nieces and nephews;  Ryan (Olivia) Laakso ad their son Clark, Bethany (Jackson) Laakso, Kaiden Miller, Gavinn Miller, Kinzleigh Pietila, along with several aunts, uncles cousins, best friend Steve Pennala "Penji"., mother of his children April, girlfriend Christie Rae, and her grandson Quinn.

Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents; Arthur "Pops" and Anona "Non" Quayle, Arne "Muna" and Shirley "Gram" Laakso, along with 4 of his best friends, Casey Massie, Mike Maki, Dan Willis, and Bryan Kari.

A Celebration of Jason's life will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Ely Township Hall, 1555 Co. Rd. 496 with a potluck from 1:00-3:00pm followed by a service at 3:00 pm

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