1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P

Donald L. "Don" "Windy" Ronkainen, age 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 and 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 August 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; 5 nephews & 1 niece and their extended families, cousins, canine companion: Kirby, and a wide circle of friends.
His parents preceded him in death.
A Gathering time for family and friends will be held Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Service in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower. Pastor Aaron Lofgren will officiate. 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.

Facts

Born: June 2, 1937
Place of Birth: Soudan, MN
Death: June 25, 2012
Place of Death: Duluth, MN
Occupation: Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Hobbies: 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.
Organizations: 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.

Services Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Saturday June 30, 2012 , 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church

Saturday June 30, 2012 , 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church