Mildred (Saarela) Aronen

Shirley Mildred Aronen, age 92 of Mountain Iron went to her forever home to be with the Lord died Sunday, June 18, 2023 in the Edgewood Vista Senior Living Center. She was born on September 21, 1930 in Ely, MN the daughter of John and Ina (Maki) Saarela. Mildred was united in marriage to Hugo Willard Aronen on February 7, 1948.  They made their home in Virginia, MN where they raised their four children.  Mildred enjoyed working from time to time at their business, Arrow Auto Supply in Virginia in partnership with Bill and Pearl Aronen.  She enjoyed bowling, golfing, spending time with friends, traveling to Florida and fishing at her cabin on Lake Vermilion.            

Most importantly, Mildred loved taking care of and spending time with her family.  She was a beautiful, gracious provider and homemaker.  She was an excellent cook which always brought the whole family together for dinner and Holiday Celebrations. 

Mildred is survived by her son: Brian (Robin) Aronen and his family Kristen Aronen, Leevi and Mikko; Ashley (Johnathon) Bishop, Graeme and Robin, Charlie(Witoomass) Lundblad;               daughter: Sherry Wiitala and her family Heather Wiitala, Hannah, Selina Lillian and Leonardo; and daughter: Shelley (Ed) Zeidler and her family: Clayton (Emily) Zeidler, Jillian, Vienna, Genevieve, and Jeff (Brandi) Zeidler; extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years: Hugo Aronen, son: David Aronen, her parents, six sisters: Ellen Harju, Helen Gave, Ailene Gulbranson, Doris Eliason, and infant sister Esther Saarela, one brother Marvin Saarela, granddaughter: Heidi Parent, and son in law Larry Wiitala.

The Aronen family wishes to thank Edgewood Vista and Caring Edge Hospice for the tender care and support shown to Mildred.

            The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. The visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the Church. Interment will follow in the East Pike Cemetery.

            In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity.  

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