David Allan Ketola
1940-2023
David Ketola
CRYSTAL FALLS — David Allan Ketola, 83 years of age, of Crystal Falls, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Aspirus Hospital. He was born in Stambaugh, on Jan. 10, 1940, to Eino and Lula (Koivisto) Ketola. He was a 1958 graduate of Amasa High School. On July 11, 1959, he married his sweetheart Geri Arcand in Crystal Falls. He went to work in the woods with his family at an early age and throughout his high school years, after which he entered his lifetime profession as a Heavy Equipment Operator, working with many different construction companies over the years. David was a proud lifetime union member of the Operating Engineers 324.
In Dave’s free time he loved to be in the woods hunting deer and enjoying all the social activities at the family camps. He was an avid snowmobiler, loved rides in his dune buggy, and belonged to bowling leagues in both Ishpeming and Crystal Falls. He was a member of the Crystal Falls Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Chippewa Sno-Kats, and North Country Cruisers Car Club.
Dave is survived by Geri, his wife of 63 years; five foster children, his godson, Jeremy Alquist and partner Lindsay, and their three children, Dani and the twins Revi and Rory, James (Betty) Ketola, Gerald (Elaine) Ketola, Linda Besiak, and Philip (Peggy) Ketola; brother-in-law, Larry Schiavo; brother-in-law, Larry (Paula) Arcand; and many nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Virginia Ann; parents, Eino and Lula Ketola; sister, Susan Schiavo; brother, Robert Ketola; sister-in-law, Bonnie Ketola; brother-in-law, Barry Besiak; sister-in-law, Jeanne Arcand; and nephews, Tom Ketola and Dean Arcand.
Pallbearers include Jeremy Alquist, Tony Arcand, Philip Ketola, Josh Ketola, Jordan Ketola, Mike Besiak and Tony Schiavo.
Family and friends may call from 9 until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, at the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Guardian Angels Catholic Church of Crystal Falls, with Father Dan Malone officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crystal Falls St. Vincent de Paul food bank.
Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery following funeral services.
Memorials may be made in his memory.
Condolences to the family of David Allan Ketola may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.
The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.