Obituary of David T Typpo

David T. Typpo, 96, of Superior, Wis., passed away on Thursday June 4, 2015 at St Mary's Essentia Hospital after a brief illness. David was born in Sanish, N.D. on Nov. 9, 1918. As a young boy the family moved to Floodwood, Minn. David graduated from Floodwood High School in 1936. At some point thereafter, David began a printing apprenticeship at the Floodwood Forum newspaper. David left the Forum to serve his country in World War II. David was a platoon messenger in the South Pacific and during his service he was awarded the Bronze Star. Upon returning from his duty, he began working as a printer for the Midland Coop Print Shop in Superior, Wis. It was here that he met his future wife, the former Marcella LaValley. David worked at Midland for more than 30 years. In the early 1970's, it was a rumored the shop would move to the Twin Cities. He did not want to move so he took a job as a printer for the Duluth News Tribune, where he worked until he retired. David remained active in retirement volunteering at the Bong Memorial Center in Superior; he was active in the local chapters of the VFW and the International Typographical Union. David was bi-lingual, speaking both Finnish and English. He loved language and playing with words. An employee newsletter from Midland provided a good example. He was asked where a coworker went, David replied: "He took an excursion to the bank to convert his paycheck into legal tender." When David's children were little they would look through newspapers for typographical errors. They never found any on the pages he laid out for press. He bemoaned the advent of computerized typesetting, stating: "When it is necessary to hyphenate a word at the end of a line, the computer is unable to properly determine the correct syllable boundary." He loved helping family and friends with home improvement projects, especially if it included a coffee break with baked goods. He enjoyed playing cards, socializing and especially dancing to polka music. He firmly believed most common ailments could be cured with a shot of brandy in hot water and a long, hot sauna. David was preceded in death by his parents, Sanfrid and Manda Typpo; all of his siblings, and his beloved wife, Marcella. David is survived by his children, sons David (Fae) Typpo; Michael (Josie) Typpo, and daughters, Joan Typpo-Reich (Fred Reich); Marlene Typpo (Robert Kozlowski); 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and dozens of in-laws. His children would like to thank the wonderful staff at Golden Living in Superior for providing the quality care and support to David and their mother, Marcella, while she resided there. The loving concern the staff gave to their parents, allowed the family to have peace of mind. The family also extends their thanks to the staff of St Mary's Essentia for their care and concern, not only for David in his last days, but for his family as well. SERVICE: 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2015 in Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807. Luncheon will follow the service.