GERALD "JERRY" WILLIAM RONKAINEN
Gerald “Jerry” William Ronkainen, 82 of Cloquet died Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 in Diamond Willow Homes in Cloquet.
Gerald “Jerry” William Ronkainen, 82 of Cloquet died Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 in Diamond Willow Homes in Cloquet.
He was born in Kettle River on June 30, 1930 to Arnie and Mayme (Maki) Ronkainen.
He was raised in Kettle River and Max, Minn., and graduated from high school in 1948. Jerry served during the Korean conflict in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954. He married Laverne Rengo on May 7, 1955 in Duluth.
Jerry was a ceramic tile setter working for various tile companies in the Duluth area including Johnson Carpet and Tile and Commercial Flooring.
He was a member of and served on the board of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cloquet. He was also a member of the American Legion and the MN Bricklayers and Tile Setters Union for more than 57 years.
Jerry loved being in the woods, hunting and fishing. He especially loved his grandchildren and family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother, Karl.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laverne of Cloquet; sons, James (Diane) of Hodgeville, Ky, and David (Tammy) of Carlton; grandchildren, Millie, John, Anna, Monica, Tom, Daniel, Peter, Timothy, Matthew, Joshua, Eli, Seth, Abigail, Luke, Adam, Isaiah, Rebekah, and Elizabeth; sisters, Lois (Frank) Romanoski of Moose Lake, Karen (Marlin) Lund of Cloquet; brother-in-law Clyde (LouAnn) Rengo of Coon Rapids; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
VISITATION: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 in Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Visitation will continue from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 18th Street and Wilson Avenue, Cloquet. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Kettle River. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com
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Terry H.
Cloquet, MN 02/05/2013 11:53 AM
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Edward M.
Jerry was like an uncle to us, growing up. My step-mother, Janet Manty, was raised in Kettle River, just down the road from the Ronkainen's place. Jerry was always generous with his time and advice if you were about to tackle a stone or tile job. Whether my Dad, Uncles, Cousins or me, before we started, it was always "Well, maybe we better call Jerry about this...". Jerry was one of those guys that you always looked forward to seeing and will be missed very much. Lavern, Jim & David, our sympathy for your great loss and prayers for your heart's healing from Jeanne and I. Sincerely, Ed MontgomerySuperior, WI 02/05/2013 3:23 PM
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