Don William Kilpela

Atlantic Mine

Don W. Kilpela, 69, a longtime resident of Atlantic Mine, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born on June 17, 1954, in Hancock, the son of the late Tauno and Toini (Wiitala) Kilpela. Don graduated from Jeffers High School in 1972 and earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Michigan Tech in 1976. 

Later that year, he put his self-taught Finnish language abilities to use by moving to Finland to connect with family and his Finnish roots. In May 1977, he completed a minor in Finnish language studies at the University of Helsinki.  During this time, he met his future wife at an ice-skating rink in Kaisaniemi, Helsinki.

On July 1, 1978, Don was united in marriage to Marja Huhdanmäki at Vartiokylä Church. Together they moved to the United States, first residing in Hopkins, MN before moving back to the Copper Country.  Together with his father, Don built his family home on Obenhoff Road, eventually adding an outdoor wood-fired sauna with a naturally spring-fed cold plunge.  Don and Marja raised 5 sons and enjoyed a life centered on faith in God, time spent in nature, and a warm home that was welcome to all. 

Don worked several jobs in technical writing and carpentry before working for 33 years at the Michigan Tech Campus bookstore, retiring in 2018. Don was devoted to his Christian faith and served as a longtime board member, Sunday School teacher, and treasurer at Range Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Partly due to his avid interest in reading, Don developed and pursued numerous passions.  Don was a lifelong learner who picked up the violin after the age of 50.  He even learned boxing in high school by reading a book.  He enjoyed dog sledding, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, birdwatching, and canoe camping at Wolf Point as ways to observe God’s creation.  He reflected on many of these experiences in his creative writing and sermons.  His appreciation for design is evident in his handcrafted rocking chairs and other woodwork.  He was a steward of the land, planting thousands of trees, beekeeping, gardening, raising Icelandic sheep, and processing wool.

Some of Don’s greatest joys were the births of his children and grandchildren, and his family will remember “Vaari” as a steadfast and devoted pillar of the family.  He was known for his appreciation for the aesthetic value of a good cup of coffee accompanied by a bowl of ice cream and raspberries in the shade on a hot summer day.  He will especially be remembered for his earnest reflective conversations and sharing his faith, often gathered around a campfire or candlelit table, or while gazing out his picture window with his feet up on the chair.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Surviving are:

His wife: Marja Kilpela of Atlantic Mine,

His children: Daniel (Gwen) Kilpela of Marquette,

Mikael (Jenifer) Kilpela of Marquette,

Samuel (Amanda) Kilpela of Atlantic Mine,

David (Deanna) Kilpela of Atlantic Mine,

Jonathan (Alina) Kilpela of Helsinki, Finland,

His grandchildren: Marion, Hugo, Anneli, Sylvia, Martin, Paola, Stina, Timo, Adelfiina, and Taavetti,

His sister: Karla (Will) Pollard of Scarness, Australia. 

A funeral service for Don will be held 11:00 am Friday, March 8, at the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church in South Range, with Rev. Ernest Bylkas III to officiate.  Spring burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery of South Range.

Friends may call on Thursday, March 7 from 5-7 pm, and Friday from 10 am until the time of services at the church.

To view Don’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

Don’s family would like to thank Dr. Goodwin’s staff at UP Health System - Portage, and Aspirus Home Health and Hospice for their excellent and loving care. 

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service - Mt. View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.