ASHTABULA — Donald E. Mackynen, age 85, of Ashtabula, passed away Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, after a lengthy illness, at home.
He was born July 8, 1924, in Ashtabula, the son of Arvo and Ida (Purola) Mackynen.
His education was in the Harbor Schools and he served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Don worked at the Ashtabula ore and coal docks and retired from the Conrail Coal Dock.
He married Ruth Esther Asuma on Jan. 9, 1949. He a life member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher and on Church Council. Don also served as a Democratic Party Committee man for over 30 years. He was a life member of Ashtabula VFW Post 943 and a member of the Dewey Howlett Post of the American Legion. He was a supporter of the Ashtabula Arts Center and a member of the Ashtabula Area Museum and Historical Society, the Finnish-American Heritage Association and a longtime member of the North End Club.
Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Esther; four sons, Thomas (Theresa), Brian (Jamie), both of Ashtabula, Alan (Janet) of Jackson, Mich. and Steven (Stacey) of Casa Grande, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, William Asuma.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kathryn Ann; a granddaughter, Kathryn Margaret; and his brother, Eugene Mackynen.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16th, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula, with Rev Larry Mackey, officiating. Burial will be at a later date with Full Military Honors at Edgewood cemetery.
Calling Hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15th, at POTTI LAKESIDE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 1329 Lake Ave., Ashtabula.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to the Finnish American Heritage Association.
Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
