Thomas Alden Haataja

Thomas Alden Haataja, age 71, of Askel, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 6, 2022 with his family by his side. He was born on March 24, 1950, in Bessemer Township, MI, son of Edwin and Sylvia (Anderson) Haataja.
Tom attended Ewen-Trout Creek and Bergland schools and graduated in 1968. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War with the 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade (Sky Soldiers), 3rd Battalion from 1969-1971. Tom was honorably discharged and received a Bronze Star Medal with two outstanding service devices.
After the war, Tom moved downstate looking for work. He settled in Plymouth, MI and worked at various jobs. In 1972, he met his wife Kristen (Quincy) and they were married on February 12, 1976 in Clearwater, FL. They made their home in Howell, MI while raising their three children. Tom was an ironworker for Iron Workers’ Local No. 25 and worked for several companies for 20 years. He then started his own business, TH Steel Inc. in 1996 with his son, also an ironworker working alongside of him.
While working and living downstate, Tom looked forward to going to the UP to his family’s camp, “Camp Woodtick” where he enjoyed spending time with his family and taking sauna’s. Tom was in his element when he was outdoors, he enjoyed archery, fishing, hunting, trapping and golf.
In 2005, Tom sold the business and retired. He then moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his wife. He built a 9-tee golf course and a putting green on their property where he enjoyed golfing with friends and family. Tom was a strong individual that was able to overcome any challenge that came his way.
Tom leaves behind his wife Kristen, children: Michael (Kelly) Haataja of Fowlerville, MI; Audrey (Kyle) Burmeister of Shelby, MI; and Lauren Haataja of Houghton, MI. Grandchildren: Dylan (Bella), Thomas, Amber, Odin, Kole and great granddaughter, JoAnna. Siblings: Chuck (Debbie) Haataja of Two Rivers, WI; Nancy (Armas) Ojaniemi of Bruce Crossing, MI; Jerry Haataja of Trout Creek, MI; Pixie (Mike) Daggett of Land O’Lakes, WI; Lawrence Hash of Topaz, MI; Kerry Cronkright of Bruce Crossing, MI and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his dog, Shelby and many friends that came to visit him.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Edwin and Sylvia; siblings, Jack Haataja, Elaine Hash and Robert Hash.
A Celebration of Tom’s life will be on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 3-6:00 pm at Mike and Kelly Haataja’s, 5500 N Nicholson Road, Fowlerville. MI. 48836. We will be gathering to share some of our favorite memories, our stories, to laugh, to cry and remember a unique person who will be greatly missed. There will be a military honors presentation by the National Guard at 5 p.m
Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may sign Tom’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.