Donald F. Tamminen

It is with great sadness that our dad, Donald Frank Tamminen has passed away. Dad decided to join his Heavenly Father, his wife, Fran, his daughter, Lisa and his granddaughter, Amy in Heaven on April 13, 2023.

Dad and his twin sister, Doris were born in Crystal Falls, MI on August 28, 1935 to the late Walter and Lily (Hillson) Tamminen. Dad grew up spending numerous hours outside enjoying the creek, or hunting behind his house in the Bristol location in Crystal Falls, MI. After graduating from high school, Dad attended college in Chicago, Illinois learning an electronics trade. Dad served in the US Army and was very proud of his services as a Morse Code Interceptor. Dad spent his entire career in the sheet metal business and was employed at August Winter and Sons for many years until his retirement. He was a proud member of the local #18 Sheet Metal Union.

He married Frances Kukura on October 14, 1962 in Crystal Falls, MI. She preceded him in death in April, 2017.

Together, they had 4 children, the late Lisa McRann (Guy), Lori Weihing (Steve), Scott (Deb) Tamminen, and Kim (Don) Vande Walle. Eight grandchildren: Ashley (Dakota) Michlig, Kayla (Ben) Degner, Courtney (significant other, Ben Van Ort), Jamison and Jessica Meyer, Megan (significant other Alexander Mayhew) Vande Walle, Jack (significant other, Abby Bangart) Vande Walle, and the late Amy Vande Walle.

Dad will be missed by many for his positive attitude, bright smile, carefree nature and a bit of a “lead foot”. He always had a joke or one-liner ready and waiting. Dad loved spending time with friends and family alike, especially his breakfast outings with the grandchildren. He enjoyed an ice cold Old Style whenever possible!

Dad is survived by his three children and his grandchildren which he was so proud of! He is also survived by his brother and sisters/sister-in-laws: Marilyn Tamminen, Glenn (Jean) Tamminen, Carol (Byron) Galbraith, Doris Oss, Betty Ann (Ray) Niemi and Joanne (Roger) Sartori.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lily Tamminen, his daughter, Lisa McRann, his granddaughter, Amy Vande Walle, his brother, Walter Tamminen, his sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Ken Danielson and his brother-in-law, Russell Oss.

Per Dad's wishes, there will be no service, however, a Celebration of His life will be held at a later date.