David J. Eplett

WOODHAVEN, Mich. - David J. Eplett, age 94, died Dec. 15, 2020, at the Applewood Nursing Home in Woodhaven.

Dave was born Aug. 7, 1926, in Ironwood to Henry and Jane (Anderson) Eplett. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School and went directly into the U.S. Navy to serve in World War II, for which he was very proud.

When he returned home, he met and married his "Honey" Marian Gregory. She survives. After the iron ore mines closed, he held numerous jobs, then attended night school to learn welding. He worked at and retired from the White Pine Mine. He was a volunteer firefighter and founding member of the Ironwood Township Fire Department for 35 years.

Dave enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a devoted Packer fan. He always had a joke or story, and had a great Finnish accent to tell them.

He was the "Best Dad Ever" to Geraldine (Homer) Conley, David (Robin) Eplett and the late Jeffrey Eplett; proud grandfather of Rebecca Lopiccolo, Abigail Conley, Avery Eplett and Jeffrey Eplett; great-grandfather to Stefania Lopiccolo; and dearest brother to Marilyn Nygard.

Dave was proceeded in death by siblings Robert Eplett, Donald Eplett, Ralph Eplett and Ann Slanzi.

A memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Saturday, June 12, at 11 a.m., with visitation in the St. Joseph's room at 10 a.m. rreceding the Mass. Private interment will be at Ironwood's Riverside Cemetery.