David Charles Seppala

Being the shortest kid in high school didn’t stop Dave — he was a good basketball player and an exceptionally fast athlete, which earned him a chance at an Olympic tryout. Unfortunately, the financial constraints of living in a small UP town prevented him from making that dream come true. Dave traveled south after high school for work in the big city and found himself in Waukegan, Ill., where boys from the U.P. were prized for their work ethic but sometimes turned away because they unsurprisingly disappeared for the opening week of deer season. He did land a job working for Abbott Laboratories, but a desk job was not his style, so his next stop was working for a Pontiac car dealership in the parts department where he could run around all day. This is where he obtained his legendary 1964 GTO, the fastest car this side of the Mississippi. He then returned home to Crystal Falls and worked for Malkin & Sons IHC in the parts department for 19 years until he purchased the NAPA auto parts store in Crystal Falls from the Leonard family. He sold that store after 16 years in business and then worked for Rex Angeli Motors in the Parts and Service Department until his retirement.

Dave was known by many and had a keen sense of humor. He was an avid fisherman and hunter through most of his life and enjoyed woodworking in his retirement. With the help of his family and friends, he established Seppala’s Buck-Horn Lodge north of Amasa where many prized whitetail have been taken, the Fence River Blonde frequented from the Tin-shack a little farther up north, and many bird hunt after-parties originating from the Legendary Hotel Bar concluded the day – a fun place for all. He especially loved to fish with his family and friends on weekends, with many a prized pike taken with Bill “Wilho” Mackie, Art Villeneuve, and John West. Dave enjoyed fishing and fixing up deer camp with his brother Bob until his passing. He also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with other friends and his sons – many good times and memories.

He leaves behind his wife, Joanne (Martin) Seppala, and his canine companion, Tessa; his sons, Jeff (Teresa) Seppala and Steven (Kerry) Seppala; a stepson, Dean (Heidi) Hilbert; stepdaughters, Deanne Vinson and Gina (Stephen) Jones; his grandchildren, Caitlin (Ross) Miller, Sammy, Lauren and Benny Seppala, Dida, Hannah, Al, Nathan, Kate and Hayley; his cousin, Nancy (Ondrus) Wright; a sister-in-law, Aida (Bandaccari) Seppala; a niece, Debbie (Ray) Edmond; and nephews, Brian (Carla) Seppala and Brad (Jill) Seppala.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Kathryn (Ondrus) Seppala; his older brother, Robert Seppala; and his prized little dog, Laci, with whom he will be buried.

Visitation will be from noon until the time of services at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 19 at the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls.

Pastor Vicky Prewitt will officiate. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Dave’s memory.

Condolences to the family of David C. Seppala may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.