Henry E. Ruotsalainen

Funeral service for Henry Edward Ruotsalainen, 80, of Hoyt Lakes, will be 10 AM Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Pastor Brendan Johnston will be officiating. A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Wednesday and will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery. Henry died suddenly Friday, May 3, 2013 at his residence. Henry was born November 13, 1932 in Cloquet, MN to Andrew and Evelyn (Hill) Ruotsalainen. He attended elementary school at Kalavela in Kettle River. He graduated from Cromwell High School, Class of 1951. Following graduation he had various jobs including the Kettle River Co-Op Store, the Kettle River locker plant, and the Kettle River Creamery. Henry was united in marriage to Marlene Huhta on November 1, 1952 in Esko, MN. In 1957, Henry and Marlene relocated to Hoyt Lakes where they made their home. He was employed by Erie Mining Company as a maintenance mechanic, where he retired after 30+ years of service. Henry served for 20 years for the Hoyt Lakes Fire and Ambulance. He enjoyed traveling and playing cribbage and cards with his friends, meat cutting during hunting season, riding his four wheeler, and spending time in the outdoors. Henry was known for his storytelling ability and his wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife of 60 years: Marlene; children: Henry Jr. (Lynn) Ruotsalainen of Hoyt Lakes; Diane (Michael) Fondie of Hazen, ND; Steven (Lisa) Ruotsalainen of Kodiak, AK; and Mark (Debbi) Ruotsalainen of Big Lake, MN; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister: Marie (Anthony) Penna of Hugo, MN; numerous nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Susan Kay; two sisters, Helen and Amelia; two brothers, Raymond and Paul; and his parents.