In Memory of

Donald

A.

Oikarinen

Obituary for Donald A. Oikarinen

Donald A. Oikarinen, 84, a resident of Laurium, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2014, at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital following a brief illness.

Don was born on July 3, 1930 to Peter and Hilma (Holappa) Oikarinen in the Cloverland area of Calumet and attended Cloverland and Calumet schools. He began working on the family farm in his late teens to help his ailing father. Don married Jeanette "Jean" Walters on November 3, 1951 in Laurium. Don then worked for Calumet and Hecla Mining Company for several years, after which he and Jean opened and operated the Village Café in Laurium. In 1961, they moved to Southern California where Don worked as the service manager for Miller’s Landing in Pomona for 19 years. In 1980, Don and Jean started Silver Arrow Traders, a mobile jewelry business which they ran until 2000 when they retired and moved back to Laurium. In retirement, Don and Jean focused their energy on extensive travel in their motor home and on family and grandchildren's activities.

Don was a man of many talents. He was a gifted athlete and avid outdoorsman in his youth and will be remembered for his generosity, quick sense of humor, and his ability to design, build, and repair almost anything.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Hilma Oikarinen; two brothers, Eli and Leonard; and two sisters, Gertrude and Esther. Don is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Barbara (Eric) Halonen of Hancock, two grandchildren, Dustin and Travis, and one great grandchild, Ashton, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, August 10, 2014. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Church in Calumet at 11:00 am on Monday, August 11, 2014, with Father Abraham officiating. Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.