Crystal Falls Mourns David Lee Heikkinen, Dead at 70

David Lee Heikkinen, 70, of Crystal Falls died Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was born September 20, 1955, in Crystal Falls, to the late Edward and Edna (Payne) Heikkinen, and spent his life rooted in the community where he was raised.

Services were held Friday, March 13, at Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home on the city's north side, where family and friends gathered for visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Prayers followed at the funeral home before the procession moved to Guardian Angels Catholic Church, where Father Dan Dapaah celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery.

Heikkinen is survived by his wife, Dona Heikkinen, and three children: Kati (Justin) Nantelle, Denell (Rick) Boehmke, and Brian (Tanya) Parson. Eight grandchildren survive him as well: River, Freya, and Landyn Nantelle; Mollie and Gage Boehmke; and Brian Parson Jr., Shae Parson, and Laycee Parson. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Tyler, and Sophia, along with brothers Larry (Yvonne) Heikkinen, Gary (Vicky) Heikkinen, Michael (Colleen) Heikkinen, Denny James, and Jerry Davidson.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Crystal Falls to handle arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a GoFundMe page established in David's name; the link was not available at press time but may be found through the funeral home. Condolences and tributes may be left at jacobsfuneralhomes.com.