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BORN
1926
DIED
2025
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Oliver Juntunen Obituary
1926 - 2025
Oliver Juntunen died peacefully on August 24, 2025, at the age of 98 at Oak Hill Assisted Living after a short illness. He was born to Edwin and Minnie Juntunen on October 30, 1926, at their home in Suomi, Minnesota.
Oliver attended the Suomi two room schoolhouse and graduated from the North Central School of Agriculture in Grand Rapids in 1944. A neighbor girl, Gertrude Maki, caught his eye and they married on July 9, 1949, at the Suomi Lutheran Church. They were married for 66 years. They created a loving family and raised five children together on their farm. Oliver actively enhanced his farm with modern technology & was one of the last Grade A dairy farmers in Itasca County. He loved all aspects of farm life.
Oliver and Gertrude enjoyed spending time on the houseboat they designed and built together and spent many hours enjoying time with family and friends, and traveling extensively throughout the United States, Nova Scotia, and Finland. Oliver loved being outdoors - spending time at his own sawmill, logging, netting tullibees, hunting, fishing, trapping, and more. He valued his relationships with his neighbors and had a passion for preserving the Suomi community history. He was a Forest Service Fire Warden for many years, served on numerous community boards and he and Gertie were very involved in church life. He had a love for storytelling and reciting poetry, and had an amazing ability to memorize epic poems, even in his 90's.
He is preceded in death by wife Gertie, his parents, sisters; Marion (Herbert) Stierna, Mildred (Peter) Hanson and Adeline (Burnett) Bergeson. Oliver is survived by his children; Valerie (Lyn) Merkle, Carol (John) Helke, Alrene (Steve) Serfling, Dale (Kari) Juntunen, Jennifer Juntunen (Paul) Fischer; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Oak Hill Assisted Living for their loving care as well as Grand Itasca Hospital and St. Croix Hospice. Visitation and funeral were held Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Marcell Community Church.
Arrangements are with Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, Minnesota.
Memories and Condolences
for Oliver Juntunen
1 Entry
Harold and Shirley Thompson
August 29, 2025
So saddened to hear of our very dear friend Oliver passing. My wife and I travelled to Finland with Oliver and Gerty together and then spending time together a t a hotel before going our separate way to visit our families. We attended the same Church in Grand Rapids for a number of years. Oliver was very proud of his Finnish Heritage and his family.Oliver and his family are very valued and succesful in their individual careers. So sad that my wife and I will be unable to attend his funeral due to health issues. God Bless your family in your time Mourning.
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Carroll Funeral Home - Deer River314 Main Ave East P.O. Box 603, Deer River, MN 56636
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