DONALD L. "DON" "WINDY" RONKAINEN

Donald L. "Don" "Windy" Ronkainen, 75, a lifelong resident of Tower-Soudan died Monday, June 25, 2012 in St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth.

He was born June 2, 1937 in Soudan, the son of Wayne and Ida (Meittunen) Ronkainen.

He was a graduate of Tower Soudan High School Class of 1955. After graduation, Don served in the United States Navy. He married Susan "Susie" Sjoberg on Aug. 6, 1966 in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower. Don was a long time employee of St. Louis County working as a heavy equipment mechanic. He was a former Fire Chief for the Tower Fire Department, a member of the Lake Vermilion Sportsmen's Club, and the Liar's Club Coffee Group. Don was an avid fisherman, loved to snowmobile, make firewood, loved to tinker with machinery, and was a NASCAR fan. Windy was well known for his "tree", his stories, and was a friend to all.

Don is survived by his wife of almost 46 years Susie; sister Ann (Raymond) Coan of Embarrass; sister-in-law Ethie (Bruce) Kniivila of Virginia; five nephews, one niece and their extended families, cousins, his canine companion Kirby and a wide circle of friends.

His parents preceded him in death.

GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012 until the 11 a.m. Memorial Service in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower. Pastor Aaron Lofgren will officiate. Military Honors are accorded by Nelson Jackson American Legion Post No. 245 of Tower. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Essentia Heart Center in Duluth or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower.

Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

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