David William "Hoopee" Wirtanen, age 79 a longtime resident of Britt died Friday, March 6, 2015 in the Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing after a seven month, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born December 21, 1935 in Mattoon, IL the son of Albert and Irene (Salo) Wirtanen, was very close to his maternal grandparents: Konstant and Ida Salo, and enjoyed spending time on their farm. David served in the Unites States Navy from December 1953 to December 1956 aboard the submarine SS Grenadier; and married Judy Milbridge on December 21, 1963 in Aurora. He was employed as a journeyman electrician for the IBEW Local # 294 in Hibbing and retired after 50 years of service; and was a member of the Pratt-Volden – Mickelson – Anderson American Legion Post # 239 in Virginia. David enjoyed fishing trips with his brother electricians, hunting when he was younger, and trips to San Francisco, CA and Appleton, WI to visit his grandchildren. In his retirement, he enjoyed casinos locally and in Laughlin, NV.
David is survived by his wife: Judy; daughters: Gayle (Craig) Luukkonen of Britt, Tracy (Brent) DeBenedet of Appleton, WI, and Tricia (Ted) Miller of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren: Alan (Breyan Knutson) Gibson, Sirkka Miller, Helia Miller, Paivi Miller, Tuula Miller, Lilla DeBenedet, Sami DeBenedet, Taavi DeBenedet, Jen (Dan) Palo and Neil (Alexis) Luukkonen; great-grandchildren: Trey Gibson, Ryder Gibson, Isabelle Palo, Lydia Palo, Camden Palo, Sylvie Palo, Ava Luukkonen, and Aiden Luukkonen; siblings: Alberta (Jim) Luthjohn of Longmont, CO and Diane (Jon) Harris of Hermantown; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Gary Mattonen, and brother: Richard Wirtanen.
A Gathering time for family and friends will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Service in the United in Christ Lutheran Church in Eveleth. Pastor Emily Rova-Hegener will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Virginia Serviceman's Honor Guard.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. Online condolences may be shared at www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Tuesday March 10, 2015 , 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

United in Christ Lutheran Church

Memorial Service

Tuesday March 10, 2015 , 11:00 a.m.

United in Christ Lutheran Church

Military Honors Accorded by the Virginia Servicemen's Honor Guard

Tuesday March 10, 2015 , 11:45

United in Christ Lutheran Church

Memorial Luncheon

Tuesday March 10, 2015 , 12:15

Virginia Servicemen's Club