LANSDALE, Pa. —David John Takala, 57, passed away on Oct. 8, 2019, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., as a result of complications due to a previous diagnosis of brain cancer. His two daughters and sister were at his side in his time of passing.
Dave was born June 25, 1962, in Crystal Falls to Mathew and Ruby (née Zie) Takala. He graduated from Forest Park High School in 1980. After his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp., serving his nation with pride, valiance and virtue for 22 years.
His military career included many tours of duty all over the world. He served on a security detail at the U.S. Embassies in Monrovia, Liberia (1982 - 1983) and Oslo, Norway, (1983 - 1985); he was deployed to Japan twice, Iwakuni (1987 - 1988) and Okinawa (1998); and he served as a recruiter in Green Bay, Wis. (1992 - 1994). He also joined a Mediterranean Ocean expeditionary unit to Greece, Cyprus and Italy, and he was a veteran of Desert Storm and Kosovo. After his honorable discharge from military service, he became a life member of the Tufts Rondon VFW Post 2891 of Crystal Falls.
David earned his Bachelor of Science in history from Campbell University as a Marine, and he graduated with honors of Magna Cum Laude. While stationed in Oslo, he met his beautiful wife, Anne. They married at Camp Pendleton in California in 1986. As a dedicated Catholic man, Dave married Anne in accordance with Catholic traditions. They enjoyed 31 years of marriage before her death in 2018.
After he retired from the U.S Marine Corp with honorable discharge, he and his family lived in Lansdale for 15 years. He maintained a 15-year career as a service manager for Ryder Truck Rental, Inc. where he demonstrated his strong work ethic, gaining admiration from his colleagues and co-workers. In his spare time, he took pride in his home improvement projects. He also traveled to museums, monuments and historic sites near Philadelphia that continued to capture his interest. World War II piqued his interest in particular, and he cherished the time that he dedicated to learning about America’s resilience.
He is survived by his daughters, Kamilla and Alisa, both of Lansdale; his mother and father-in-law, Bjørg and Johann Saethre of Oslo; two brothers, Gregory (Terri) Takala and Joseph Takala; his sister, Mary (Rob) Dalpra of Crystal Falls; nephews, Adam Takala of Madison, Wis., and Alex and John Takala and Connor and Chris Dalpra of Crystal Falls; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Mathew and Ruby Takala; and his wife, Anne (née Saethre) Takala.
A graveside memorial service is planned at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery on Friday, July 31 at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life ceremony at the cemetery. Fr. Dan Malone will offi ciate with graveside prayers, and veterans from the East Side VFW will perform pass and review. The cemetery service will conclude with visitation and lunch at the Lions’ Den, Runkle Lake Park in Crystal Falls.
A memorial mass at Guardian Angels Catholic Church will be held at a later date.
In lieu of fl owers, David wished for donations to be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Condolences to the family of David J. Takala may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted to Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.