Donald Mathew Halunen

Donald M. Halunen, age 87, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family in Edgewood Senior Living Community.  He was born November 1, 1935 in the Virginia the son of Mathew and Violet (Nakari) Halunen. Don was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army.  He married JoAnn Jacobson of Eveleth; and they raised three children in Virginia and later moved to Duluth.   In his early years, Donald played the drums in a variety of bands.  His hobbies were fishing, building, and gardening.  Chatting with friends and locals was a favorite pastime. He belonged to the Northern Club, Moose Club, and Elks.  He loved to dance with JoAnn, and was often admired for his “smooth” dance moves! Donald will be remembered for his kind heart and care for others.  Donald worked as an electrician at the Duluth Winnipeg and Pacific Railroad for over 40 years. Once retired, they resided at his beloved Lake Vermilion and spent winters in Dunedin, Florida.  His final move was back to his hometown town of Virginia.  

Donald is the beloved father of three children including: Dawn (Michael) Johnson, (Northbrook, IL); Robert Halunen (Virginia, MN); Clayton Halunen (David Duddingston) (Minneapolis, MN).  He is also a proud grandfather to Drew Halunen, Dane Halunen, Cameron Johnson, and Ellis Johnson.  He is survived by his sisters Pat Willis and Gayle Moorhead, and his brothers Rodney Halunen and Danial Nakari. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Violet Nakari, father Mathew Halunen and brother Hartley Halunen. 

The Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday September 28, 2023, at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church, 901 4th St. S., Virginia, MN.  Military honors accorded by the Virginia Serviceman’s Honor Guard. Inurnment will take place in the Calvery Cemetery Columbarium.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center, 701 Main St., PO Box 659, Tower, MN  55790.  

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .