William J (Bill) Toivonen, age 86 of Aurora, died peacefully on January 7, 2015 at Dove Healthcare West, Eau Claire, WI. He was born September 10, 1928 the son of Charles Victor and Jenny Lillian (Jarvinen) Toivonen in Orr, MN and married Dolores "Dee" King. Bill was a self-made man, leaving home at 12 years old to work in the Twin Cities. I believe his children got their work ethic from this man. He seemed to have worked every job known to mankind. For most of Bill's career, he was an insurance adjuster for St Paul Fire and Marine; first in Duluth, then St Paul. He then moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to work for Crawford and Company. He excelled in each position. He also studied law at William Mitchell College of Law, but declined taking the bar due to his loyalty to his company. He would have been one rip-roaring attorney with his gift of gab. He was such a dedicated worker, he ended up retiring a total of FIVE times! He was a Scout leader, which he talked about as being one of the best experiences of his life, although he had been "volunteered" for the task by Mom. He was famous for telling stories. Oh, how he loved to tell his stories! We would all muse as he started a story thinking 'Oh No! Not that one again!.' Now the stories are silent…Luckily, they all live on in the hearts of his friends and family. He let us experience life, by making our own mistakes, and hopefully learning from them. He would then talk with us afterwards, letting us know we were ok and that he still loved us. Where Dad really shone brightest was being a Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Friend, Neighbor, etc… He was always there if anyone needed anything. He made the best waffles, and never had a harsh word for his kids or grandkids. His was truly a life well lived. We are all better people for having Dad as our role model. We will miss you so much and our love for you will never fade!
Bill is survived by son: George (Shari) Toivonen of Babbitt, MN; daughter: Lauri (Bob) Sieben of Eau Claire, WI; Grandchildren: Bill Toivonen, Paul (Stephanie) Toivonen, Nikole (TJ) Underwood, Michael (Teresa) Sieben, Jessie (Drew) Weaver, Christy (Jason) Koellner; Great-Grandchildren Jake, Casey, Braden, Dominique, Alexia, Tehya, Alex, Grace, Julian, Noah, Lily and Greyson
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Dolores, and son James.
A Gathering time for family and friends will be held Monday, January 12, 2015 from 11 a.m. until the 12 Noon Memorial Service in the Bauman Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. Pastor Brendan Johnston will officiate.
All are welcome to attend an Inurnment for William and wife Dolores to be held at 2:30 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery Columbarium Aurora, Minnesota.
Memorials may be directed to: W. Toivonen, 2028 W. Mead St. Eau Claire, WI 54703
Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Gathering Time for Family & Friends 11:00am - 12:00pm ,Monday, January 12, 2015
Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
516 South First Street Virginia, MN 55792
Memorial Service 12:00pm ,Monday, January 12, 2015
Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
516 South First Street Virginia, MN 55792