Donald Kahila

Obituary of Donald Kahila Houghton Donald Kahila, 86, a resident of Houghton and formerly of Chassell passed away Wednesday August 25, 2010, at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette where he had been a resident for the past 2 years. He was born on June 30, 1924, in Chassell, a son of the late Charles and Tina (Koskinen) Kahila. As a child, he attended the Chassell Schools. Mr. Kahila was a veteran having served with the United States Army during World War II, where he was a Prisoner of War. Don had resided in Minneapolis, MN, Milwaukee, WI, Butte, MO, before returning to Chassell to make his home. In 2004, he moved to Houghton and since 2008 had been a resident patient at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans. He was employed with Michigan Technological University in Houghton until his retirement in 1984. Donald was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chassell, a life member of post #6507 V.F.W. of Chassell and a member of the former American Legion Post #265 of Chassell. He enjoyed doing carpentry work around the home, spending time outdoors hunting and playing the accordion. Preceding him in death were his parents, his brothers Oni and Ray and his sisters Elsie and Sylvia. Surviving are: His wife Elsie Kahila of Houghton His children; Karen (Garry) Connell of Hancock Donna Heras of Hancock Cathy Morris of Australia Carolyn Pleaugh of Houghton Shirley (Ray) Luty of Port Orchard, WA Michael (Sandi) Ruotsi of Skandia Thomas (Sherry) Ruotsi of Grape View, WA Linda (Mark) Ranta of Green Bay, WI His daughter-in-law Cheri Ruotsi of Chassell 34 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren His sisters; Helmi Kinnunen of St. Clair Shores, MI Sigrid Isaccson of Butte, MO Edna Crosbie of Butte, MO Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins Funeral services for Don will be held 11:00 am Tuesday August 31, 2010, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chassell with Rev. Ron Strobel to officiate. Burial will be in the Chassell Cemetery. Post #6507 V.F.W. of Chassell will hold military rites following the service at the church on Tuesday. Friends may call on Tuesday August 31, 2010, from 10 am until time of services at the church. To view Donald's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell has been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Donald Kahila, please visit Tribute Store