David Oja

1939 – 2018

David John Oja, 78, was called to his heavenly home on January 19, 2018, at his residence in rural Menahga Minnesota.

Dave leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Betty (Hendrickson) Oja; three sons: Glen (Diana) of Calumet, Michigan, Karl (Kathy) of Delano, and Jon (Katie) of Laurium, Michigan; two daughters: Judy (Tom) Ruonavaara and Betsy (Aaron) Kangas both of Calumet, Michigan. Dave and Betty have been blessed with 41 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, also numerous sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a host of brothers and sisters in Faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald, his sister Alice Hendrickson, and a brother and sister who died in infancy.

David was born December 23, 1939 in Hancock, Michigan to Walter and Lempi (Luoma) Oja. At the age of 16, David and his family left the Copper Country and moved to Detroit, Michigan. He graduated in 1958 from Wilbur Wright High School. David joined the Detroit Michigan Fire Department in 1961 and later retired in 1972.

David married Betty (Hendrickson) Oja on February 17, 1962 at the Runeberg First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Paddock Township, Minnesota.

In 1973, David and Betty moved to Menahga to raise their family. He worked in law enforcement with the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office, managed Ted’s Hardware of Menahga, and various other jobs in the area. Among his interests, David especially loved hunting with his sons, sons-in-law, grandsons, nephews and friends on his property. David was a member of the Runeberg First Apostolic Lutheran Church.

David will be sadly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 25 at the Runeberg First Apostolic Lutheran Church, and one hour prior to service.Funeral services are at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 26 at the Runeberg First Apostolic Lutheran Church in rural Menahga, with Pastors Davin Torola and Mike Peterson officiating. Active casket bearers are his grandsons: Travis Kangas, Kurt Oja, Blain Ruonavaara, Nick Oja, Sam Oja, Justin Oja, Mark Kangas, and Chad Oja. Organist is his niece Janet Mattson. Singers are his grandsons Justin Oja, Mark Kangas, Ross Oja and Paul Kangas. Interment will be in Runeberg Cemetery

Arrangements are entrusted to Wevley Funeral Home of Sebeka. Online condolences may be left at www.wevleyfuneralhome.com.