2025 Senate Concurrent Resolution 10

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Legislature learned about the passing of Donald Koivisto. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in the Upper Peninsula and the people of our great state; and

Whereas, Born in Bessemer, Michigan in 1949, Donald Koivisto was a born and raised Yooper. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1967, and he later earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central Michigan University in 1971; and

Whereas, Prior to joining the Legislature, Donald served his community, working as a teacher and a football and basketball coach at Morrice High School. From 1974 to 1980, Donald worked as a juvenile officer in Ontonagon County. He started his career in elective office when he won a position on the Ontonagon School Board of Education, where he served as president in 1976; and

Whereas, In 1980, Donald was elected to represent the One Hundred-tenth District in the Michigan House of Representatives, which covered the western Upper Peninsula. During his time in the House, he served as the chair of the Agriculture and Forestry Committee, as well as a member of the House committees on Agriculture; Colleges and Universities; Conservation, Environment and Recreation; Consumers; Economic Development and Energy; Military and Veterans’ Affairs; Public Utilities; and Tourism and Recreation; and

Whereas, While serving in the House, Donald was a fierce advocate for the farming community, and as a co-sponsor, he helped craft Michigan’s Right to Farm Act. Donald sponsored the public act that established the Forest Products Industry Development Council. During this time, he also worked to address other concerns of the Upper Peninsula, which included employment, education, and tourism; and

Whereas, After serving in the House, Donald left public office to spend more time with his family. During this time, he stayed engaged as a political consultant to Representative Lewis Dodak, former speaker of the House of Representatives, and Representative Michael Griffin, former chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; and

Whereas, In 1990, Donald returned to public office when he won a competitive special election to represent the Thirty-eighth District in the Michigan Senate. He would hold this seat for twelve years until 2002. While in the Senate, Donald served as the minority vice chair of the Senate committees on Agriculture, Forestry, and Wildlife; Gaming and Casino Oversight; Hunting, Fishing and Forestry; and Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. He was also a member of the Health Policy and Appropriations committees, as well as the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Agriculture, Capital Outlay, Higher Education, and Natural Resources and Environmental Quality. Donald also served as a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; and

Whereas, During his time in the Senate, Donald continued advocating for the farming community. This was particularly important to him as he and his wife were operating her family’s centennial farm, where they raised corn, soybeans, and hay. This gave Donald first-hand insight into the challenges and needs of the farming community. His support for the Upper Peninsula also extended to other areas, including casino oversight. Donald wanted to protect the interests of all of his constituents, which included tribal communities. He also sponsored Public Act 443 of 2002, which addressed the taxation of iron ore in order to keep the mines open and retain jobs; and

Whereas, Donald also understood the value of bipartisan relationships, and he was committed to working with everyone who shared his concerns. His closest friendships spanned the state from Detroit to Battle Creek to Northern Michigan. However, Donald was never one to shy away from controversy or be afraid of being the lone voice. This included him serving on the Senate Ethics Committee, which dealt with senator discipline; and

Whereas, During his tenure, Donald was known for his independent voice, loyalty to the needs of the Upper Peninsula, and mentoring of many future leaders, including former Representative and House clerk Rich Brown. Serving rural communities was important to Donald, and he displayed many of the characteristics that are important to these communities: consistent standards, responsive leadership, and practical support. While he was humble and quiet, his legacy was one of promoting good public policy for the state; and

Whereas, Upon leaving the Legislature, Donald continued to serve the state of Michigan. He worked as a lobbyist for the iron mining industry with Cleveland Cliffs, promoting the same policies he supported as an elected official. In 2007, it was announced that the Michigan Commission of Agriculture had named him as the new director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. In this role, Donald was able to continue serving the farming community and advocating for sustainable practices and policies. He served in this role until 2010; and

Whereas, The legacy Donald left behind will be remembered fondly by those who knew him. By his colleagues, Donald will be remembered as a tireless advocate for the Upper Peninsula and agricultural community, as well as someone who treated everyone with dignity and respect. By his family, he will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. This family includes his wife of 55 years, Pamela; his four children, Adam, Matthew, Timothy, and Katherine; his four grandchildren, Jacob, Connor, Nolan, and Emma; as well as his faithful furry companions, Daisy and May; and

Whereas, Upon Donald Koivisto’s passing, we offer our condolences to his loved ones. His contributions to these chambers and the state of Michigan will be remembered; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Donald Koivisto, a member of Michigan’s House of Representatives from 1981 to 1986, and the Michigan Senate from 1990 to 2002; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Koivisto family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.