David John Oja

David John Oja, 78, was called to his heavenly home on January 19, 2018, at his residence in rural Menahga Minnesota. Dave leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Betty (Hendrickson) Oja, three sons, Glen (Diana) of Calumet, Michigan, Karl (Kathy) of Delano, Minnesota, Jon (Katie) of Laurium, Michigan, and two daughters Judy (Tom) Ruonavaara and Betsy (Aaron) Kangas both of Calumet, Michigan.  Dave and Betty have been blessed with 41 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, also numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law , nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a host of brothers and sisters in Faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald, his sister Alice Hendrickson, and a brother and sister who died in infancy. David was born December 23rd, 1939 in Hancock, Michigan to Walter and Lempi (Luoma) Oja.  At the age of 16, David and his family left the Copper Country and moved to Detroit, Michigan.  He graduated in 1958 from Wilbur Wright High School.  David joined the Detroit Michigan Fire Department in 1961 and later retired in 1972.  David married Betty (Hendrickson) Oja on February 17, 1962 at the Runeberg First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Paddock Township, Minnesota.  In 1973, David and Betty moved to Menahga Minnesota to raise their family.  He worked in law enforcement with the Wadena County Sheriff's Office, managed Ted's Hardware of Menahga, and various other jobs in the area. Among his interests, David estpecially loved hunting with his Sons, Sons-in-law, Grandsons, Nephews and friends on his property.  David was a member of the Runeberg First Apostolic Lutheran Church. David will be sadly missed by his Wife, Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.      Visitation is from 5 to 8 P.M., Thursday, January 25th, 2018 at the Runeberg First Apostolic Lutheran Church, and 1 hour prior to service. Funeral Services at  3 P.M., Friday, January 26th, 2018, at the Runeberg First Apostolic Lutheran Church in rural Menahga, with Pastors Davin Torola and Mike Peterson officiating. Active Casketbearers; Grandsons Travis Kangas, Kurt Oja, Blain Ruonavaara, Nick Oja, Sam Oja, Justin Oja, Mark Kangas, & Chad Oja.Organist; Niece Janet Mattson. Singers; Grandsons Justin Oja, Mark Kangas, Ross Oja, & Paul Kangas  Interment - Runeberg Cemetery