David Haataja 1927 – 2022

David Edward Wilhelm Haataja was born on December 20th, 1927 to William and Maria (Alajoki) Haataja, in Runeberg Township, MN. David grew up on the family farm with his parents and fourteen siblings, all of whom preceded him in death: Hildegard, Leonard, Guido, Edwin, Paul, Hanna, Mangna, Sophia, Oscar, Chester, Daniel, Maria, Esaja and Allen.
David was devoted to his family. He enjoyed many activities with them, such as: travel, camping, fishing, hunting, working on home projects, tinkering with anything mechanical and, of course, saunas.
On September 11th, 1954 David married Dorothy Mae Johnston. They had four children: Daryl, Donald, Douglas, and Dale. After graduating from Dunwoody, David was employed as a machinist until his retirement in 1987. David and Dorothy purchased the Spirit Lake Motel, in his hometown of Menahga, MN. In 1994, David and Dorothy built a summer home on the Haataja family farm and spent winters in Mission, TX, becoming “Winter Texans”.
David passed away on October 15, 2022 at the age of 94, at his summer home in Menahga, Minnesota. He passed comfortably and peacefully with family by his side.
David is survived by his loving wife Dorothy of 68 years. Their children: Daryl, Donald (Penny), Douglas (Lori), and Dale (Mindy), along with grandchildren: Katie, Joshua, Jessica, Charli, Caden, Skyler and Nick, great-grandchildren Azriella and Anakka, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral Services werer held on Saturday October 22, 2022 at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN. Interment will be held at the Alajoki Cemetery near Menahga, MN.
Arrangements are being handled by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN. Friends may leave online condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com.10-26c