David Halkola

Obituary of David Taito Sakari Halkola Houghton David T. Halkola, age 86, of Quincy Cove, Houghton, died on December 8, 2009 following a brief illness. He was born in Seattle, WA on 12-7-23, to the late Reverend Sakari and Aino Lilja Halkola (Kantonen). He was a graduate of Rudyard High School and Suomi College (Now Finlandia University.) He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio and his Master of Arts degree from Western Reserve University (Now Case-Western) in Cleveland, Ohio in 1948. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and Phi Kappa Phi fraternities. David served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater, having been held briefly as a P.O.W. On August 24, 1946 he married Viola Elizabeth Laine in Conneaut, Ohio and moved to Hancock in 1948 residing there for over fifty years. Professionally, David enjoyed a challenging and diverse career. He served as a faculty member of History at Suomi College from 1948-1954 at which time he became President of Suomi until 1959. Pursuing his love of teaching, David joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University in 1960 and ultimately retired in 1988 as a Professor of History and was conferred the rank of "Professor Emeritus." David was an active participant in various national, state and local historical societies. He was involved in the "national park initiative" to secure a National Historic Park for the region. In 1989, two historic districts were given the recognition as national historic landmarks including the Quincy Hoist. Over the course of his career, there had been considerable involvement in the introduction of new courses, committee assignments, membership of the Faculty Senate, (including the presidency) and a variety of special assignments including serving as the University's ombudsman. For nearly ten years, David co-hosted a weekly program entitled "Current Topics" with Dr. Harold Nufer through WGGL-FM public radio, where they shared insights and perspective on a variety of subjects. He made countless public appearances on television, radio and groups on and off campus, primarily dealing with local history. David published numerous papers, contributed to a variety of historical publications and served as a panelist, moderator and participant with local and state conferences, advisory boards and symposiums. His commitment to local history and to Michigan Tech University was recognized through a variety of grants and awards. He received an annual grant from 1980-1987 for the interpretive history program at Fort Wilkins and several awards from within the university including the prestigious Claire M. Donovan Award. David's commitment to state and local history were honored by The John Burton Award (Coppertown), The Follo Award (Advancing local history) and the Burt Boyum Award (Quincy Hoist Association.) Additional honors were received by the International Club in recognition of his twenty two years as advisor; Huskies Club Fan of the year and for his role during the University's centennial activities. In 1985, he was the principle author of the book, Advancing our Tradition of Excellence which celebrated the University's one-hundred history and its commitment to an ongoing legacy of educational excellence and enrichment. In part, the dedication read, "I dedicate this book to all those people-students, faculty, staff and friends-to whom Michigan Tech has been and remains something very special. Someone said that the MTU stands for "mighty tough university." Our father wondered if we would have wanted it any other way? He was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, a member of the Michigan Historical Review Board, the Organization of American Historians, the Immigration History Society, the National Trust of Historical Preservation, the Historical Society of Michigan, the United Finnish American Archives, the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, The Great Lakes Advisory Board and several U.P. Historical Societies serving as President from 1972-1977. He is survived by his wife Viola, sons Mark D. Halkola (Karen) of Tamarack City, Timothy L. Halkola (Marilyn Swift) of Coburntown, Christine L. Harkness (Joseph) of Stanwood, Michigan, Laurel B. Roehm (Arthur) of Marble Falls, Texas and Lisa K. Shank (Christian) of Troy, Michigan. David is also survived by nine grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, Zachary (Christine) Halkola of Tamarack City, Michigan, Lindsay (Thomas) Hiltunen of Alexandria, Virginia, Abbi Halkola of Houghton, Seth Halkola of Tamarack City, Courtney Harkness of North Liberty, Iowa, Allison Harkness of Marquette, Michigan, Bryan Harkness of Marquette and David and Andrew Roehm of Marble Falls, Texas, Jessica Saari-Ogden (Dan) of Bluffton, South Carolina and James Saari of Beaufort, South Carolina. Also surviving are three great grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren, Noah David, Alexander Thomas and Landon Christopher Halkola, all of Tamarack City, Michigan and Grace Saari and Jackson Ogden of Bluffton, South Carolina. A brother Paul H. Halkola (Kathleen) of Dollar Bay, and sisters-in-law Linda Laine (Raymond) and Helen Laine(Arnold) of Conneaut, Ohio and Carole Laine (Donald) of Cedarburg, Wisconsin also survive as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. We extend our appreciation to the staff at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility, Portage Health Services and the Omega House for their care and compassion. We thank the many friends and neighbors who were always there or just a phone call away. Our father touched many lives through his professional and personal commitments. There were many who knew him as "the professor," but to us he was simply dad and we were blessed to have him in our lives so very long! He loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He loved sports and reading and television. A special memory was being able to share Father's Day, 2009 with his first son, his first grandson and his first great grandson. After all he experienced and accomplished, family was what mattered most. He wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Visitation will be on Friday December 11, 2009 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock, Michigan. The Funeral service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hancock on Saturday December 12, 2009 at 12:30 pm. with Pastor Jimalee Jones officiating. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials, if continued... 1 2 Next ...continued so desired may be designated to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. To view David's Obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. Previous 1 2 To send flowers to the family of David Halkola, please visit Tribute Store