David A. Wainio

IRONWOOD, Mich. - David A. Wainio, a veteran of the U.S. Army passed away on Jan. 31, 2021.

David was born on Feb. 11, 1947. He attended Roosevelt School as a child. David graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1965. He received an Associate Degree in general studies from Gogebic Community College in Ironwood in 1967. He attended Michigan Technical University in Houghton, majoring in the forestry program.

He married the love of his life, Carol Matazel, on Dec. 16, 1967.

David was drafted into the U.S. Army on May 26, 1968. He served in Washington D.C. and in Crailsheim, Germany. He made it a priority for his wife and daughter, Mary, to join him in Germany during his service there. He and his family lived off base, so David had to run five miles to and from the base for his work in the motor pool. David was a very hard worker and fulfilled his duty in the U.S. Army without complaint. He was a provider and protector to his family throughout his life.

David returned to the states and worked at the White Pine Mine. David then joined the American Linen Company and drove his big green van delivering laundry to businesses in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. He was known as the "linen man" to his many satisfied customers.

David enjoyed many happy times during family sauna night at his parents' home. He was proficient in working on cars. "Boom boom" loved hunting and fishing, and made many memories at "da camp" on Lake Superior. Being in the woods was David's form of prayer.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Arvid and Florence Wainio. He joins them in his spiritual respite, and it is comforting to know that they are together again, watching over us.

David is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Mary, John and Peter; eight grandchildren, Gage, Grant, Julia, Gavin, Logan, Lilie, Hayden and Halle; a great-granddaughter, Evelyn Jo; his siblings, Nancy Arias, Ron Wainio and Donna Wainio; and his best friend, Larry Kangas. David will be missed greatly by family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 21, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer. Please join his family to escort him to his spiritual rest. A luncheon will follow the service at Jagger's Ore House in Ramsay. Please join his family to celebrate his life and his legacy.

Thank you to the staff at Avanti Home Health care for their service to him. Because of them, David was able to stay in his home as he wished. Thank you also to the staff at Aspirus Hospital in Ironwood for their compassionate end-of-life care for David.

The family has chosen Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer to honor David's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at rangefuneralservices.com.