David Jurvelin, Sr.

David was born on February 5, 1951. After graduating from Negaunee High School in 1969, he served in the US Army, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam conflict. After returning home, he worked at the Empire Mine for over 30 years, primarily in Pit Operations as a production truck driver. David enjoyed reading, particularly war stories and adventure novels. He worked with his hands, maintaining his vehicles, primarily Dodge Ram pick-up trucks, and helping build the family camp with his father and brother.

Of all the things in his life, David’s pride and joy was his camp on Bear Lake. He spent summers living at camp, which he affectionately named J-SAC (Jurvelin Social Athletic Club). He hunted, took many saunas, cut a lot of wood, and welcomed friends and family regularly, compiling several log books of these visits, happenings at camp, and all the delicious food he would grill up. While he maintained a regular residence in Negaunee Township, where he took care of his dear mother for many years, he was happiest out at camp.

He once said that “If you can count the number of true friends you have on one hand, you’re a lucky man.” David was a generous friend to many, serving and helping where he could, and hosting friends at camp during deer season. During the winter, he would spend mornings snowplowing out the driveways of his friends and family. He enjoyed teaching his kids how to drive on the dirt roads at camp, starting at a young age. His kids will remember listening to WJPD and “Tiny Tinkerbell Rock” on the drive to camp, eating delicious barbecued foods, and watching movies at Grandma’s house with Dad.

The family extends its gratitude and thanks to the nurses and workers from U.P. Home and Hospice, Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services, to all the doctors who have treated him throughout his fight with cancer, and to David’s friends who were there with him during his final days.

David is survived by three sisters: Nancie Burkhardt of Pinehurst, ID, Kathy Talo, and Julie Moore, both of Negaunee; his son and daughter, David Jurvelin Jr. (Lisa) and Lesley Jandreau (Dan); 7 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Kaino Jurvelin, his brother Charles Jacob Jurvelin Jr, sister Sharon Renfors, and grandsons David Alan Jurvelin III and Isiah Xavier Jandreau.

Per David’s wishes, he was cremated, and no services will be held at this time. A celebration of life and scattering of ashes will take place out at his camp later this year, just as he wanted. His family looks forward to gathering together and laying him to rest in his favorite place. His kids really miss him.

Canale Gwinn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com