David Henry Putkela

David Henry Putkela went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 2, 2024, in Hastings, Michigan.  David was born on July 29, 1935, in Adams Township, Houghton County Michigan, the son of Jacob and Lillian (Miller) Putkela.

David lived in Mass City, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  He worked in the mining industry for the White Pine Copper Mine and the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company. In 1998, he and his wife moved to the Lower Peninsula settling in Delton, Barry County, Michigan, where he worked for the Hastings Area School System.

David was hardworking and enjoyed yard work.  He enjoyed taking things apart to find out how they worked. He liked fishing and kayaking.  He was always joking and loved talking to anyone who would listen.  He liked metal detecting for copper and enjoyed traveling.  He was always willing to help anyone.

David is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane Elizabeth Putkela, his children Barbara Jean (Putkela) Falcon of Argentina and Michael David Putkela of Hastings, Michigan, his son-in-law, Juan Falcon, grandsons, Joshua David Falcon and Jeremy Michael Falcon, his sister, Mildred Hellen Maki, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Lillian (Miller) Putkela, his brother, Jacob Edward Putkela, and sisters, Martha Lillian Robleski and Janet Ann Whinnen.

A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for the end of March.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. For service time updates or to leave an online condolence visit  www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.