LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Legislature has formally honored the late former state Senator and Representative Don Koivisto through the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, a memorial resolution recognizing his decades of public service to the Upper Peninsula and the state.
Koivisto, born in Bessemer, passed away on October 7 at age 76. He represented the western Upper Peninsula in the Michigan House and later served twelve years in the Michigan Senate. His career also included roles as a teacher, coach, juvenile officer, farmer, and eventually director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
Speaking on the House floor, Representative Greg Markkanen described Koivisto as a lawmaker who consistently put regional needs ahead of politics.
“You hear from all of us in the Upper Peninsula talk about peninsula over party and service, especially to our fellow Yoopers,” Markkanen said.
Markkanen emphasized Koivisto’s willingness to step into leadership roles across many stages of his life.
“Don was a man who saw what needed to be done and stepped up to do it,” he said.
Koivisto was especially known for championing agriculture, mining, and forest products, industries central to the U.P.’s economy.
“He was a staunch advocate for agriculture, mining, and the UP forest products, never allowing politics to cloud his judgment and always putting what was best for the UP first,” Markkanen told lawmakers.
Markkanen, a Republican, also highlighted Koivisto’s bipartisan legacy.
“Don had Sisu. Don was a Democrat. I’m a Republican,” he said, pointing to Koivisto’s ability to work across party lines.
The resolution was adopted by the House with Koivisto’s family participating virtually. Lawmakers closed by offering condolences and thanking the family for sharing in his service to Michigan.
