Daniel ‘Paavo’ Nurmi

Dan was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Oct. 5, 1954, to the late Raymond Nurmi and Delores (Holvick) Will. In 1972, he graduated from Wakefield High School. He received an associate degree from Gogebic Community College and a master’s degree from Northern Michigan University.

On June 14, 1975, he married Jeanne (Pretti) Nurmi in Wakefield, and shared 50 beautiful years together. He was a wonderful father and grandfather to his five children and 12 grandchildren. He was a teacher and later the principal at North Dickinson School in Felch, for over 20 years. During his time there, he coached several sports teams and worked at many track events. After retiring, he returned to North Dickinson as a substitute teacher.

Dan and Jeanne lived on a lake and enjoyed starting their day with a cup of coffee and “dock talk.” He loved nature and being outdoors where he could hunt, fish, cross country ski, trek on his handmade snowshoes, and create trails through the woods with his Ventrac tractor. Dan was a talented snare drummer and had recently joined Zion Lutheran Church’s praise band.

His Finnish and Norwegian heritage were important to him. He had great SISU and loved taking saunas. He was a teacher, mentor, and friend to many throughout his life. More than anything, Dan cherished his time and precious memories made with his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.

Dan will be deeply missed by his wife, Jeanne; five children, Brian (Kimberly) Nurmi, Amanda (David) Grunlund, Joseph (Nicole) Nurmi, John (Brandi) Nurmi, Jacob (Kristi) Nurmi; 12 grandchildren, Anja, Henry, Luke, Caleb, Claire, Rowan, Dominic, Sophie, Jason, Ava, Noah, and Amelia; four siblings, Joyce (Mike) Olson, Dale (Micky) Nurmi, Judy (Mike) Caruso, and JoAnn Nurmi; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dianne (Rod) Linn and Michael (Sue) Pretti; and many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Dan is preceded in death by two siblings, Douglas Nurmi and Janice Maki; and his parents-in-law, Henry and Margaret Pretti.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 10, at the Zion Lutheran Church, W4703 Metropolitan Road in Felch, with Pastor Lee Liverance officiating the funeral service at noon. Burial will be in the Felch cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Daniel Lee Nurmi online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.