February 7, 2010 Calumet
Donald “Gebada” W. Elander Sr., 47, a resident of Calumet passed away on Sunday February 7, 2010 at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital.
He was born on May 16, 1962 in Laurium a son of Donald and Patricia (Kinsman) Elander.
Don graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1980.
After graduation Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving his country for a 4 year enlistment.
He always had a smile on his face and was willing to do anything for anyone. Don worked for various people and companies around the Copper Country and was a jack of all trades. His talent of fixing up homes and local businesses earned him a reputation of being one of the best craftsmen in the area. He loved to pick berries, go camping, 4 wheeling, snowmobiling and playing games with his kids.
On October 16, 2009 he was married to Kay McCullah in Marquette.
Preceding him in death was his father, step-father Eugene Lerche, grandparents, aunts, uncles and a special friend Mark Sutinen.
Surviving are:
His wife Kay
Son: Don Elander Jr. of Lake Linden
Daughter: Naomi (Chris) Kotila of Laurium
Mother: Pat Lerche of Calumet
2 Sisters: Kimberly (Lars) Hanson of Milwaukee, WI
Ramona Danis of Lake Linden
Aunts: Esther Tauriainen, Lorraine Elander & Diana Elander
Uncle: Robert Kinsman
Nephews: Christopher (Angie) Elander and Aric Danis
Niece: Adria (Jason) Laplander
Great nephew and niece: Ethan Elander and Eliza Laplander
Numerous cousins and friends.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday February 11, 2010 at 12:00 PM in the Erickson Crowley Funeral Home in Calumet with Pastor Travis Seppala to officiate.
Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Funeral Home on Thursday from 11-12:0
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