David Harold Ahonen
September 9th, 1939 - November 27th, 2023
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David's Obituary
David Harold Ahonen passed away on November 27, 2023 peacefully at home due to complications of
Dementia and Parkinsons disease. He was born on September 9, 1939 in Trimountain MI and was the
youngest of 10 children. He recently celebrated his 84th birthday with his family. He graduated from
Jeffers High School in 1957. Throughout his life he enjoyed camping, fishing and loved the Copper
Country. David was employed by White Pine Copper Company for 34 years and retired in 1994. He was
a Veteran having served in the US Army in Germany from 1957 to 1960. He was a member of Zion
Lutheran Church of Hancock MI.
On June 23, 1962, he married Ruth Hongisto. They were married for 60 years and David was
heartbroken with the loss of his wife. He passed away of a broken heart 5 months later. They had been
residing with his daughter Julie and son in law, James in St. Joseph MI since February of 2020.
He is survived by his children, daughters Pamela (Thomas) Howe of Fenton MI, Julie (James)
Thomsen of St. Joseph MI, and son, Richard (Brigitte) Ahonen of Palmetto FL. Grandchildren, Matthew
(Cristina) Howe, Ashley and Melissa Howe, Dayton, Demi and Dylan Thomsen. Great Grandchild Lainey
Howe. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Caring Circle and
their Hospice team for their loving care. Cards and expressions of sympathy can be sent c/o Julie
Thomsen, 1337 Whispering Trail, Benton Harbor MI 49022. Friends wishing to leave the family a
message of condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Dementia and Parkinsons disease. He was born on September 9, 1939 in Trimountain MI and was the
youngest of 10 children. He recently celebrated his 84th birthday with his family. He graduated from
Jeffers High School in 1957. Throughout his life he enjoyed camping, fishing and loved the Copper
Country. David was employed by White Pine Copper Company for 34 years and retired in 1994. He was
a Veteran having served in the US Army in Germany from 1957 to 1960. He was a member of Zion
Lutheran Church of Hancock MI.
On June 23, 1962, he married Ruth Hongisto. They were married for 60 years and David was
heartbroken with the loss of his wife. He passed away of a broken heart 5 months later. They had been
residing with his daughter Julie and son in law, James in St. Joseph MI since February of 2020.
He is survived by his children, daughters Pamela (Thomas) Howe of Fenton MI, Julie (James)
Thomsen of St. Joseph MI, and son, Richard (Brigitte) Ahonen of Palmetto FL. Grandchildren, Matthew
(Cristina) Howe, Ashley and Melissa Howe, Dayton, Demi and Dylan Thomsen. Great Grandchild Lainey
Howe. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Caring Circle and
their Hospice team for their loving care. Cards and expressions of sympathy can be sent c/o Julie
Thomsen, 1337 Whispering Trail, Benton Harbor MI 49022. Friends wishing to leave the family a
message of condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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