Michael M. Hakala

A gathering of family and friends of Michael Matthew Hakala, 66, of Cloquet and Brimson, will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Colvin Township Hall; arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home. Michael died suddenly Friday, February 7, 2014 in Brimson, MN. He was born July 8, 1947 in Biwabik, MN to Matt and Dorothy (Tuomala) Hakala. Mike was a 1965 graduate of Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School and later graduated from Bemidji State University with at teaching degree in Industrial Arts. On August 7, 1971 he married Joan Logan in Aurora, MN. Mike taught industrial arts in Alaska for five years prior to becoming a commercial fisherman. They lived in Naknek and Soldotna, AK while he worked as a salmon fisherman in Bristol Bay for nearly 40 years. Mike returned to northern Minnesota where he worked as a carpenter and millwright. Mike especially enjoyed time spent outdoors in Brimson working with wood in all aspects; planting trees, cutting wood and building with it. He valued work ethic, independence and the connections to his heritage. For friends and family he always kept the sauna hot. Mike was a member of the Millwrights Local #1348 in Virginia, a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Alaska Independant Fishermans Association. Mike is survived by his wife, Joan; children: Branden (Shannon) Hakala of Cleveland, OH and Kirsti Hakala of Park City, UT; siblings: Anthony "Antti" (Yolande) Hakala and Mary Ann (Barney) Kokal; several nieces and nephews also survive. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Dorothy and a nephew, Joseph Hakala.