Jake Haapajoki

Jake Eryk Haapajoki, 16, of Baxter, passed away February 21st, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. A Celebration of Jake’s Life will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, February 25th, 2018 at the Brainerd High School Gymnasium (Please Use North Doors). Family and friends are invited to gather from Noon until 3 PM Saturday afternoon at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd and one hour prior to services at the gym on Sunday. Private family interment at Baxter City Cemetery. Please join the family as they honor Jake by wearing Warrior Blue attire at both services.

Jake was born November 26, 2001 in Brainerd, the son of Christine Lovas Peterson and Eryk Haapajoki. By age 10, Jake was a 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt and he continued his enjoyment of sports by being active in soccer, basketball, jumping hurdles in track, and the family pick-up games they played in the backyard. He was a three-time letter winner, once in track and twice in soccer. In addition, he made sure to cheer on the North Carolina Tar Heels. He liked being outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and hanging out with friends around the camp fire or having a fish fry. He had a love of music and liked to take charge of the playlist on road trips. Jake looked forward to his annual Father/Son trek to the Minnesota State High School Basketball Tourney each spring. He also had fun at the farm in Menahga each year where he fished and spent time outdoors with his family. His connection with his family was so important, as was his connection with his faith. He was confirmed last fall. Jake was a bright, resilient young man who connected so easily to a variety of people. Most all, he loved his family and they will remember his big heart and the genuine way he loved all.

He will be missed by his parents, Christine (Drew) Peterson and Eryk Haapajoki; his family of siblings, Alex Haapajoki, Courtney DeChaine, Zander, Axton, Noah and Brekken Peterson; grandparents, Wendy and Tony Banker, Gary and Diane Lovas, Eric and Renae Peterson, Rosalind (Frank Hensch) Haapajoki; aunts and uncles, Wayde (Jeana) Lovaas (Godfather), Amber (Barry) Hand, Kellie (Rob) Lovas Galcaran, Noel “Bub” Lovas, Kyle (Krista) Peterson, Tyler Peterson, Wade (Jessica) Haapajoki, and Amber (Travis) Hahn (Godmother); great-grandmas, Pearl Haapajoki and Gertrude Stromme; and special family friends, Richelle, Brandon and Ashlyn Vroman. He was preceded in death by his sister, Grace Peterson and his grandpa, Jon Haapajoki.

Flowers are welcome, as is donations to the Crisis Line of Brainerd. There has been a GoFundMe set up for those contributions. https://www.gofundme.com/jhaapajoki

Visitation Saturday, February 24, noon - 3 pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd.