Donald K. Luoma

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Donald K. Luoma, 84, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, May 29, 2016.

Don was born on April 19, 1932, in Wakefield, the son of Andrew and Aila (Rintamaki) Luoma. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1950.

Don worked for Kimberly Clark in Marenisco until he enlisted in the U.S. Army on Dec. 2, 1952, where he proudly served his country for two years and was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1954. Don returned to Wakefield and continued his employment at Kimberly Clark.

On Nov. 26, 1966, Don married Conchita Garcia in Detroit. They would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this year.

In 1957, Don began working for the city of Wakefield as a police officer and fireman and in July of 1966, he transferred to the public works department and retired from there in December of 1994.

Don was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, serving as a reader, greeter, usher and former member of the church council, and delegate to the Synod meetings, starting with the Suomi Conference.

He was a current member of the city of Wakefield Planning Commission, former member of the Civil Service Commission and a life member of the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084, where he currently served as adjutant. He was also currently a member of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and the Gogebic Council of Veterans Affairs.

Don was a former member of the Wakefield Booster Club and a great supporter of the Wakefield Cardinal Athletics, where he served on the "chain gang" for the Wakefield High School and Wakefield-Marenisco home football games for more than 30 years. He was very active with the area Little League program for 45 years and served as a coach and umpire.

Don enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his seven beloved grandchildren. He will long be remembered for his vibrant personality, friendly smile, hugs and quick wit. Don will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his dear family.

Surviving are his loving wife, Conchita; two sons, Scott (Roberta), Greenville, and Jeff (Melanie), Clayton, Wis .; and a daughter, Kim (Tom) Zeckovich, Wakefield. His pride and joy were his seven grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas, Kayla, Kyleigh, Eli, Matthew and Holden. Also surviving is his sister, Lois (Reuben) Nelson, Alexandria, Minn .; and two nieces, Debbie (Alonzo) Cooper and Lynn (Randy) Bjorkstrand, and a nephew, Doug (Anita) Nelson, all of the Minneapolis area.

Friends may call at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield on Friday, June 3, beginning at 5 p.m.

Visitation will continue on Saturday, June 4, from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Pallbearers will be Scott Luoma, Jeff Luoma, Tom Zeckovich, Michael Luoma, Nick Luoma, Doug Nelson, John Rintamaki and Bill Luoma.

Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A reception will be held at the Wakefield VFW Post 9084 following the cemetery service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.