Michael August Tuomala Jr died one day short of his 87th birthday. He passed away peacefully on Sunday March 1, 2026 after a long journey with cancer. "Little Mickey" was born on March 2, 1939 to Michael August Sr and Violet (Korpi) Tuomala. He was the proud father to Laura (Scott) Shikowsky, Michael G. Tuomala, Pamela (Rick) Walton and Jennifer (Brian) Pantzke. In 1994, Michael married his sweetheart Sandra Paskvan and gained a daughter in Kelly Paskvan, and sons, Curtis and Jack Paskvan. He was grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Michael was also proud of his Finnish heritage. He actively applied the Finnish concept of Sisu to all that he did. In high school he was a part of Ely's state champion swim team. As a young man he was a guide in the Boundary Waters. He was Trooper 382 with Minnesota State Highway Patrol for 20 years and the owner and operator of Pelican Lake Land and Lumber. Mike's greatest passion was in living the life of an outdoorsman. At a young age he learned trapping skills from his father and continued trapping to the end. He scouted his terrain by snowmobile, ATV and by piloting his small plane. By canoe he spent time fishing and ricing. He hunted deer and elk and he picked blueberries. He shared these adventures with others who enjoyed these pursuits as well. The names of these friends always came with stories of adventure and love of friendship. Michael was preceded in death by his daughter Pamela Walton, his grandson Christopher Walton, his parents and brothers Pat, Jim and sister Karen. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and sisters Marian (Armin) Kvien, Bonnie (Billy) Kobe and Sara Cherney.

Essentia Health - East Range Hospice Team
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