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DOUGLAS A. HAYKA

DOUGLAS A. HAYKA

Dec. 25, 1950 – Feb. 1, 2025

Douglas A. Hayka, 74, of Alpena, passed away at home Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, with his loving family at his side following a long battle with heart disease.

Doug was born Dec. 25, 1950, in Alpena to Robert and Ilene (Hodgins) Hayka. Doug enlisted in the Army out of high school where he served during the Vietnam War with the Delta 4/31st 196 Light Infantry Brigade. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two U.S. Army Accommodation Medals, and a Bronze Star.

Upon returning stateside, Doug worked at Abitibi for 17 years. During his time at Abitibi, he took night classes at ACC eventually becoming a Master Electrician and started his own company Thunder Bay Electric. Shortly thereafter he took on a partner, Tim Modrynzski whom he enjoyed working with. Doug had a heart of gold and loved serving his community in various capacities. He loved to travel, and was a big outdoorsman- spending a lot of time in the Upper Peninsula. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church – Alpena, and lifetime member of the VFW Post #2496.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Joyce, his two children, Andrew (Cait) Hayka, Aimee (Eric) Chrzan, his grandchildren, Benjamin, Levi, Owen, and Madelyn Hayka, and Mason, Tucker, and Hunter Chrzan, his mother, Ilene, siblings, Bob (Jean) Hayka, James (Linda) Hayka, Sally (Greg) Nesmith, John (Dana) Hayka, Ed Hayka, sister-in-law, Diane Hayka, brother-in-law, Bill Ross, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob, his brother, Jerry, and his sister Sarah Ross.

Visiting hours for Doug will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church – Alpena from 11 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. John Shipman officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Army and VFW Post #2496. Interment will take place in the spring at King Settlement Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the VFW Post #2496 Maintenance Fund, Compassus Hospice, or St. Paul Lutheran Church – Alpena. McWilliams Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.