David Ralph Lahtinen

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died March 5, 2022

David Ralph “Coach” Lahtinen, age 75, of Gladstone passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022 surrounded by his family at UP Health Systems in Marquette.
Dave was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, coach “Lahts,” teacher, mentor, and friend to all.

Dave was born May 11, 1946, in Ishpeming, MI. The son of Ralphael and Lourice (Moretti) Lahtinen, he graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1964 and finished his education at Northern Michigan University in 1968, collecting degrees in mathematics, education, and history. Known as “Blondie’s kid” and a hardworking Finn, Dave spent his summers working in the Hematite Iron Mine.

Dave’s career spanned 37 years at Gladstone High School as both an educator and coach. He also taught at ‘Iolani school in Hawaii. Dave served as the head of the math department for several years before retiring in 2004. As a coach, Dave spent 35 years as the head of the men’s cross country team (special 1979 and 1984 team championship memories), coached over 20 years in high school basketball including many years of summer clinics at NMU, and was responsible for starting the women’s cross country program. He also coached high school track (on the cinder track) and volunteered until his retirement. His coaching achievements are numerous, perhaps best summarized by the fact that he was enshrined in the Gladstone Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021. He encouraged academic performance to be equally important to sport as many of his teams were All-Academic, and he served as the scholarship chairman on the UP Sports Hall of Fame Executive Council. He supported UP athletics also as a sports broadcaster for football and basketball and announced track and football at the Gladstone football field. Much more important to Dave than the wins and losses of his teams were the thousands of student-athletes he had the privilege of coaching, meeting, and honoring…many of whom he remained close friends with until his final days. He was known for caring in a cheerful and encouraging way and making light of difficult moments. The impact he had on generations of students from all walks of life, no matter their ability, made him special to all. He will be remembered as “Coach” with a solid gold soul.

Dave’s personal life revolved around his family and the many friends he considered a part of his family. A bachelor until 39, he married the love of his life, Dianne Lee Anderson, on February 8, 1986. Daughters Tara and Tiffany followed soon after, joining step-children Tim Fox and Tammy (Fox) Woods. Dave’s family has grown to currently include nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. “Papa Day” loved nothing more than when he was with his youngest grandkids, Porter (5) and Ruby (1). He spent much of last year “preparing” Porter for kindergarten and teaching her how to hit a baseball. He surely became Ruby’s favorite person. Each of his children and grandchildren were athletes of some kind and he loved watching their games and coached when he could, even his eldest granddaughters NCAA Division 1 cross country races. His daughters remember him always in the stands even at figure skating and Gladstone Cheerleading State competitions.

Dave was an avid golfer (more than one hole in one!), organized men’s golf leagues, an active youth sports coach (Little League, 7th grade basketball, junior golf at Escanaba CC), and a spontaneous traveler. His favorite trips with the family were to Grand Marais, Disney World, Kennebunkport, NYC, attending the Masters and US opens, and countless softball excursions throughout the country. One of his favorite memories was winning the 1999 Little League Major State Championship with his daughters. Most recently, he and Dianne did a “bucket list” drive through Yellowstone, Teton, Redwoods, and Glacier National Parks (2021). In 2020, they revisited Kennebunkport where he accepted the challenge to walk to the shore with his walker and told Dianne he wanted to stay, however, he turned around in time for the tide to come in. It was an unforgettable moment that exemplified his perseverance.

Dave’s love for life always overcame any physical ailment he endured as he aged. He swam at the YMCA and loved being in the pool. He smiled through a Michigan football game in torrential downpour and worked tirelessly to climb the steps at Detroit Tigers games. He worked as a golf ranger at Sweetgrass, continued to tutor students in math, and was a mainstay at high school basketball games throughout the UP. It was his love for the game that was such a light– any sport, any time, any place. He preferred a high school game over any pro game, as it is the spirit engaging the community that he loved so much.

Dave will always be remembered for his gregarious personality, converting strangers to friends with a sincere “what’s happenin?” His text messages (from his flip phone) are already sorely missed by his friends and family.
Dave was always in our corner, wearing a baseball “cap”, smiling beyond his limitations, tough beyond measure, and ready for a car ride to anywhere (most especially to friend’s driveways to beep his horn in).

Please raise a cup of McDonald’s Diet Coke in Dave’s honor!
We know he’s joined his dog Penny, is dancing to the beach boys, and free to walk and golf once again.

The Lahtinen family would like to extend a thank you to Dr. Napier, Dr. Steele, Dr. Hayen, Dr. Wallace, both OSF and UP Health Marquette staff for taking such loving care of him.

In addition to his wife, Dianne, Dave is survived by…

Daughters:
Tara Lahtinen (Brian Dunne)
Tiffany (Ben) Hewitt

Stepchildren:
Tim Fox (Sheri)
Tammy Woods (John)

Grandkids:
Jordan (Victoria), Caleb (Talia), Anthony (preceded in death)
Ashlyn (Zach), Allison (Ben), Matthew, Brooke
Porter, Ruby

Great-grandkids;
Landon and Luca (Jordan and Victoria)

Sister:
Dianne Malcomb (Delmas)

Dave was preceded in death by:

Parents:
Ralphael and Lourice (Moretti) Lahtinen
Grandson:
Anthony Fox

Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. A luncheon will be served throughout the visitation. A Funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM with Pastor Elisabeth Daniels officiating. Friends and family are invited to gather at The Freshwater Tavern following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be used to establish a scholarship fund in Dave’s memory. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Lahtinen family.

The family is also planning a “Dave style” gathering this summer to include friends and family who are away at this time.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen

72 Tributes for “David Ralph Lahtinen”

    Words cannot begin to express our feelings right now but Diane and family you have our deepest sympathy ❤️‍ with Dave’s passing! Dave was an amazing man, always willing to help out everyone with whatever they might need! He was a great very caring/ concerned teacher and has touched probably hundreds & hundreds of students lives in a very special/loving way! He will be missed by so so very many in so many caring ways too! We are holding you all in prayers for strength ❤️‍❤️‍ from our Lord Jesus to help you get through this very sad stressful time in your lives! We all know he is in a much better place right now so just keep his love/memories in your hearts forever and he will always be close to you!!

    My prayers to you Diane and your family. Dave sure was a special person. He will be missed. Love to all of you.

    So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Prayers to Diane and girls. Dave was a great guy, always friendly and also a great teacher!!
    RIP Dave.
    May you find peace.

    Condolences from a former student. Dave was a likable teacher who left a lasting impression with me. I know he laughed along as we watched him battle the chalk board and its dust each day. He made algebra a fun class. Rest in peace Mr. Lahtinen.

    Dave was a very special person.So proud of his children and wife Diane. Always had a smile on his face and so friendly to everyone. Great teacher and a great role model .So proud to have known Dave.

    Oh, Mr. Lahtinen, Diane and their most precious daughters-

    There are no words that I can say that will alleviate even a teardrop. My heart and sorrowful soul reaches out to you from Mogadishu, Somalia. I wish I could be there to tell your father, your husband and my coach “until we meet again and on that day I want to run side by side with stories of old”.

    I will be forever grateful to have shared with you the moment that Coach (Mr.) Lahtinen was inducted into the Gladstone Brave Sports Hall of Fame, an honor and tribute long overdo.

    I would have never become the runner I was if it wasn’t for his compassion, wisdom, patience and love for me. He never labeled me or wrote me of – I was uniquely stubborn, imaginative and free spited. He kept pushing me – he understood me – through my years with him, Coach Lahtine exemplified love and loyalty and leadership. He stood up for what he believe in – students and athletes. He never was the victim or had a negative bone in body. Coach Lahtinen has love for life that surpasses the highest, most breeziest mountain peak! I promise you Coach Lahtinen that I will do my best emulate your best characteristics. You left an indelible mark on my soul and I want to honor you, until we meet again on our heavenly run! Discover the terrain of heaven together!

    Dianne, Tara and Tiffany,
    I am so sorry for the loss of Dave. He was a great friend and I will cherish our daily texts forever. Rely on your beautiful memories to ease your pain during this hard time.
    Julie

    Dear Dianne and family,
    Dave was such a great colleague and friend to many. Always smiling and loved by all. I feel your pain and share your tears. His legacy will live on in all the lives he touched. Godspeed, Dave!

    Mr Lahtinen was my high school cross country coach. He was an outstanding coach. He made sports fun and I really enjoyed being on his team. He taught us how to win. He worked very hard with colleges so we could continue to run cross country after our high school years with scholarships. He was a great man that taught me more than just how to run.

    Dianne and family…We are so so sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Lahts…He was a great teacher at Gladstone. My older kids learned alot from him. RIP Dav

    To Diane, Tiffany and Tara:
    My deepest sympathy to all of you. You meant the whole world to Dave. He was constantly bragging of you in all our conversations. His smile was infectious too. It was difficult to know his pain level because he was always grateful about everything. It was an honor to be listed among his friends. May he Rest In Peace.

    Diane and family…so very sorry to hear of Daves passing. Every time i saw him no matter where it was he always stopped to chat and catch up with whats going on. He will be remembered and missed by many. Blessings of peace to yo all . Mary Madden Malnor

    Diane and family I’m so sorry to hear the passing of Dave what a great man always had a smile on his face.Prayers for your family Love Dale and Debbie Mokszycke

    Our condolences to Dianne, Tammy, Tiffany, Tara and families. Dave will be sorely missed by so many. Much respect for his dedication to kids through teaching and coaching. It’s such an important asset to any community. He had a gift for genuinely connecting with people in a way that resonated. Even the most idle chit chat was enjoyable when you crossed paths out and about. His positive impact will no doubt be felt for years to come. RIP.

    The Bengry family

    Dave’s Family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
    Dave was the most friendly, outgoing guy. Always interested in what was going on in your life. One of the first teachers I met when starting my teaching career in Gladstone ages ago.
    He will be missed by so many.

    Dennis and Cheryl Stanek

    I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle soul with a friendly greeting and smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed my many. My thoughts and prayers to his family. ❤️

    My sympathy goes out to Mr. Lahtinen’s family. Even though I’m 58 years old, he’s still Mr. Lahtinen to me. He was a great friend and golf and bowling buddy of my dads (Babe Kleiman). Such a great guy. Say, “Hi” to dad when you see him in heaven.

    Diane and family, so sorry to hear about coach Lahts! I’ve know hi for about 46 years! He coached me in 7th, 8th grade, and j.v basketball. To many stories to tell, all good! He was one of the best men I’ve ever met in my life. Rest In Peace
    Lahts, play a round in Augusta for me! Take care old friend! Matt Marmalick

    Dave was a blessing and a friend.

    I spend many evenings in tutoring sessions. Dave gave me a different outlook on mathematics that allowed me to succeed both in High School and College.

    He was also a very familiar face at McDonald’s along with his group of buddies.

    Prayers ♥️

    Dave was my high school algebra teacher many years ago, whenever I’d see him, I would still call him “Mr. Lahtinen”, he’d say “call me Dave”. What a beautiful example of a teacher and coach who influenced so many students over the years. Rest In Peace, Mr. Lahtinen….Dave❤️

    Thoughts and Prayers are with you Dianne and girls. So sorry for your loss of Dave. May you find comfort and all your great memories. He will be missed and loved by all that knew him.

    Rick & I, as well as Jill & Jodi, send our heartfelt sympathy to you all. We were so saddened & surprised to hear of Dave’s passing.
    We send big hugs & prayers for your family. Please let your faith be your strength right now….& hold those memories close to your heart ……

    There is not a person that would say that Dave didn’t positively impact him/her in some way. He was and will always be remembered for his big heart, smile, and contagious personality. To many, he was their “second dad.” I know he was mine. Thank you, Dave, for making a lasting imprint on my heart for life!

    Wrapping my arms around his entire family during this time ♥️

    My condolences and prayers to the Lahtinen family. The Heavens above have surely gained a precious mentor, coach, teacher and most of all an angel. He will be always remembered as one of my favorites growing up in Gladstone. May God Bless Dave and the family. Sending prayers and love to the family. He will surely be missed and sure his spirit will always be present.

    Diane & family……
    Rick and I , along with Jill & Jodi were so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. We all have such awesome memories of Dave & your family.
    Let your faith be your strength at this time & hold all those treasured memories close to your heart. Please tell the girls we are thinking of them & pray for peace for you all.

    I met Coach Dave when I was 14 and joined the GHS Cross Country team. I also had him as an algebra teacher. He was always so kind and patient and knew how to coach and teach well but not in an overbearing way. For 36 years we kept in touch and got to see one another last summer—a highlight of my summer! He has left us all too soon and I sorely miss him.

    So so very sorry for your loss!!! Although I only met him at Ashlyn’s wedding he seemed like a very nice sweet and loving man! It warmed my heart to see him out on the dance floor and everyone gathered around him! Sending hugs and prayers to the whole family!! You are blessed to have had such a positive roll model in your lives !

    My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Dave always had a smile on his face and took time for a friendly chat. God’s peace and love to you.

    So sorry for your loss. Mr Lahtinen was my teacher and he was always full of energy and laughter. May he rest in peace.

    Dianne, Tara, Tiffany, Tammy, and Tim,
    All of the beautiful things I have read about Dave in his obituary and tributes go hand in hand with my experiences with Dave. We taught across the hall from each other, and I enjoyed the chats we had between classes and after school. His positive attitude and his easy smile were refreshing after a hard day. It was hard to see him in a wheelchair later on, but his smile hadn’t diminished. When I think of Dave, I can’t help smiling too. I will miss my old friend.

    Duncan Hebbard

    I have such fond memories of working with Dave at Sweetgrass. A man with a heart of gold, I will always remember him yelling from the back of the “fat shack,” “Lauren!!! Get me a Diet Coke!!!”
    My life is exponentially better having known Dave.

    Dear Dianne & Family, Theresa and I send our deepest sympathy to all of you. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great guy and I always enjoyed talking with him whenever I would run into him. From one Coach to another, it was always a pleasure to coach against you all those years ago. May you rest easy now. Gerry

    Dear Dianne and family,

    Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dave was a great guy, he will be missed.

    Mary and Paul Lagina

    My deepest sympathy to Diane and Family!
    I had the privilege of rooming with “bachelor Dave” while I was student teaching at Gladstone High School in 1974.
    He had just purchased a trailer and his sister said he would be happy to have a “renter”. Dave was a landlord, a mentor, and a super friend!! My student teaching experience was greatly enhanced by our friendship. I am greatly saddened by the news of his passing and am in Florida for the month of March and will be unable to attend his services but will be there in spirit. We bachelors would bring back meals from our moms and I always think of Dave when we have baked chicken pieces over rice – one of his favorites from my mom.
    Again, my sincere sympathy on the loss of this very special guy!!

    Dave was such a genuine, kind person. I was a student of his and will never forget his humor, patience and efforts to help his students succeed. Years after I graduated, he would always recognize me and greet me warmly, as though we had been lifelong friends. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing, but am so grateful for the impression he made in my life. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us all. We are better for it.

    Mr lahtinen one frist couch I ever meet at ghs he made it fun after all the years he was a great mentor and teacher he loved what he did rip.

    We love you Dave and Dianne you were a wonderful couple and Dave a loving father and coach and friend ! We love you all ! We pray for God’s comfort ! And cherished memories for you to keep forever! All our love ! Your sister Debra and Richard your brother in law

    Our sympathy to Dianne, and all of Davids family. David was such a kind and sweet man. I’d have to say David was a “softy”, as he seemed to have a soft and caring heart for everyone he knew. We hope your pain now, will soon become, all those happy and loving memories of David, to warm your heart.

    So sorry to read of Dave’s passing. I knew Dave through my brother, Roger Finlan. They taught together in Gladstone. Every time Marquette played Gladstone, I made sure to talk with Dave. He always had a smile on his face and it was great to see him. I’m sure Dave and my brother are doing some “catching up” and doing a lot of laughing! My deepest sympathy to your family. God Bless.

    As we go thru life we live and we learn.. coach was a part of my living and learning as an athlete in track and a student in his classroom. You begin to realize how much time people have poured into your life as you reflect on what you didn’t realize until you had your own kids and responsibilities.. ..thank you coach for your time and dedication to so many students and athletes at Gladstone High.. To his entire family prayers for peace and comfort as you grieve this loss of a wonderful and special man .

    Coach Lahtinen was such a huge part of my life growing up, and Cross Country meets and practices are among my happiest memories in large part to him and the culture he helped create. I’m so thankful for who he was, and I am so sorry for your loss.

    Mr. Lahtinen was one of my favorite teachers and most memorable coaches ever. His teaching skills helped me learn to love math. He would work the chalkboard continuously during class and be covered with chalk dust at the end of the day. As a coach, he liked to win, but more importantly, he strived to make cross country fun. It’s great to hear that he got married, expanded his upbeat influence to his family and continued to enjoy life. Even though I have not spoken to him since high school in 1977, he is one of those guys who still pops into my mind as a positive contributor to my life. He will be missed by all.

    Dianne and family,
    We were saddened to read about Dave. In retirement Pete had spent many hours on the golf course with him. We enjoyed his company and his love of people. No matter what the circumstances, he was smiling and had a positive attitude. May you feel God’s caring presence with you through this time of grief.

    One of my favorite memories is driving down to the regionals for basketball in a van with Coach Lahtinen and my teammates. Coach took the wrong exit and decided it would be ok to back up on the exit to get back on the highway. Later one of the windows in the van blew out and was smashed. I just remember him laughing and enjoying it all. Truly one of the good guys who always had time for everyone and cared so much about his students, players, friends and family. Bet he’s enjoying a good Shakey’s Bunch a Lunch right now. Rest in peace Coach!

    My sympathies to the Lahtinen family. I coached cross country when Dave was Gladstone’s coach and have many memories. I also graduated from high school with Dianne, class of ‘65. Dave was a community treasure.

    My heartfelt sympathy to The Lahtinen Family from a big fan in the Chicago area. We all loved Dave. My prayers are with all of you.

    Our sincere condolences to Dianne and the entire family. Dave has been a fixture at just about every basketball game I’ve been at, whether it in Gladstone or Escanaba. He sure loved his popcorn, as soon as he arrived at the games. If you wanted to talk hoops or golf he was ready to talk! Rest in Peace David and see you later my friend…Gary

    A great man, mentor, and a champion for all with an infectious smile. One of the most joyful souls to ever walk the earth. He helped get me through math in high school (not an easy task), but moreover became a great friend. His spirit will endure and inspire for many years to come through all the lives he touched. Love you, buddy.

    Dear Diane,
    Such sad news of Dave’s passing. His obituary says it all. He will be missed.
    I’m thinking if you all across the miles.
    Peace.

    So sorry to hear about your loss. After reading all of the great things about Dave I now know why he is so looked up to. Our love and prayers are with all of you.

    God bless David and Dianne and the entire family from a “ coffee group friend “ he wanted to be remembered as a nice guy. But I see he was way more than that. I am blessed to have known him.

    My memories of Dave began as knowing him as Mr. Lahtinen my math teacher, then as Coach Lahtinen or just Coach,or Coach Lahtes, or just Lahtes, and then after much insistence on his part, Dave. He also became a math tutor and great fan of my kids. I am glad for the memories I have of him through the years as I grew from a kid in Gladstone to an adult sharing a campfire bull session with him.
    I know that his family will find comfort and strength from all of us who hold memories of him close.

    I am saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. His Algebra class was not only an educational experience but also a joy to attend. His love of teaching and his students was apparent everyday. He approached his coaching of C.C. team with the same interest, love, and vitality. Give it your best but most of all have fun and enjoy the company of coach Lahtinen and your teammates. Rest in Peace.

    Dianne and family, we were sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He loved his family and sports so much. It was a joy to have Dave as a coach on our daughter’s b-ball team. We were also a part of the Wells School family and have so many good memories.

    Prayers for Dave and his family.

    DIANNE , Tammy , Tim , Tara , Tiffany , family and friends

    COACH LAHTINEN / Coach / Lahts , wow , what an extremely caring person, coach and teacher.
    I/We all learned so many things from coach, and shared many laughs. It has meant so much to me these last 30 years when receiving a call or text from coach after a huge win or a tough loss. Coach Lahts with his passion, A+ Attitude, love of High school sports, mentorship, and friendship has always been a guiding light in my life. Thanks to so many of you and your “Great words” about Coach. My thoughts, prayers, tears and smiles to Dianne and the entire family.

    I’ve been trying to come up with something to pay tribute to a really good friend who I can’t believe I’ll never see again, at least on this earth. This is what I have:

    I think all of us in the education field hope that our students/players like us as much as Dave’s liked him;

    R.I.P. Lightning, till we meet again
    Art Van Damme

    There is not much to add to such a beautiful obituary except to say that I had the privilege to be a part of that journey. I had Lahts as a coach and teacher in some capacity every year at GHS -sometimes both at the same time. While I don’t remember much about the x’s and o’s or the x’s and y’s, I do remember the fun, caring man and all of the extra things he did for his student athletes. We would grab sandwiches from the old Gladstone Bakery for road trips and would always give me rides home after late practices and games. I was so happy to see him at his HOF induction last fall and, as always, he told some awesome stories. He should have written a book! What a career and what a legacy. RIP Coach – definitely one of the good ones.

    My condolences to the entire Lahtinen family. Dave was a passionate coach and mentor. He had a wonderful gift knowing how to relate to his team and kept things fun while still challenging. His genuine smile, stories, and sense of humor will always make me smile. God’s peace.

    Lahts will never be forgotten. He coached me and taught me. My funniest memory is when he did the PA fora JV football game. It was 4th down and, well a lot. Lahts left the mic on & you could hear him 5,10,15,20,25 before he announced “fourth down and a lot!” . Another memory that I appreciate now is that in CC when we were going through Ishpeming we would always stop the bus at his house so he could go in to see his mom. That is being a sweetheart. Better guy than a strategic coach but there is nothing wrong with that. Great guy just a great guy. Glad he found such a great wife and family to spend his life with. He was one happy guy. Never to be forgotten.

    We will miss our friend. Such a kind man with a smile on his face whenever we saw him. Our deepest condolences to Dianne and the family. John and Jane Wandahsega

    I have read all the tributes to Mr. Lahtinen and they all tell of the man he was throughout his life. He was my cross country coach, but he was so much more than that. He pushed me to be the best I could be as a runner, and his coaching skills and caring made us all better. But Coach was so more than that. He was a mentor, friend and just such a caring man to all. Rest In Peace Coach..

    What a beautiful tribute to Dave ❤️. He sure gave a lot of himself to others and his community. I have so many memories of him during the days Tara and Tiff went to preschool at the YMCA and I was the Director. They were the apple of his eye along with the rest of the family. He loved you so much Diane and all the excitement you brought into his life. You two were great for each other. You are strong in your faith and you know God will be there for you during this very difficult time. My Love and Prayers to you all .

    What a guy Dave was; had him for seventh math and stayed friends with him for the next fifty odd years. He always had chalk on him and his cloths from doing all this math problems. I’ll miss him.

    I am so sorry to see that Dave passed Dianne. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed by many…♥️

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