Donald Wayne Koivisto

Donald Wayne Koivisto, 76 of Ellsworth, passed away on October 7, 2025 at Munson Hospital in Traverse City from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was born on August 18, 1949, in Bessemer, MI the son of Clifford and Dorothy (Mattila) Koivisto.

Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In his youth he had been active in all sports, but his love was baseball. In his retirement years he enjoyed watching them, especially the Packers and the Tigers. He also loved serving the people of Michigan as the Director of Agriculture, State Senator for the 38th district, and State Representative for the 110th district.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Pamela (Roberts), 4 children; Adam Koivisto of Charlevoix, MI, Matthew (Kalie) Koivisto of Charlotte, NC, Timothy Koivisto of Ellsworth, MI, Katherine (Roger) Rice of Charlotte, NC, a brother; Clifford Koivisto of Ironwood, MI, a sister; Kathryn Behrendt of Ironwood, MI, and 4 grandchildren that he loved dearly; Jacob & Connor Koivisto, and Nolan & Emma Rice; and his cuddle companions, “The Pups”, Daisy and May.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Bonnie Koivisto.

A private family service will take place.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kirk Gibson foundation for Parkinson’s - 31440 Northwestern Highway Suite 185 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.