Donald & Laura Rajala

Donald Eugene Rajala 89 Bigfork, MN

Date and place of death: July 4, 2025 Duluth, MN

Date and place of birth: February 2, 1936 Effie, MN

Laura Mae Rajala 86 Bigfork, MN

Date and place of death: July 4, 2025 Cohasset, MN

Date and place of birth: July 30, 1938 Bigfork, MN

Gene & Laura are survived By: Children Anne Collins, Connie Rajala & Steve Rajala

Donald Eugene Rajala "Gene" Donald Eugene Rajala was born on Gound Hogs day, Feb 2, 1936. He was the first child born to Norman and Fern Rajala.

His childhood was spent in Effie, Mn. He attended grade school in Horton and Effie, and then graduated from Bigfork High School.

He was a "free spirit" who loved hunting, fishing and never at a loss for company.

Gene joined the Army where he spent three years with one being in Okinawa. He returned to Bigfork and joined the family business, Rajala Mill and Lumber. He was very active in the social and business life of the small town of Bigfork. He married Laura and had three children, Anne, Connie and Steve.

When his Son graduated from Bigfork High School, he resigned from "the Mill" and moved to Haines Alaska. The 20 years there, he Commercial fished for salmon, crab and halibut. He returned to Bigfork and enjoyed his retirement time at his hunting site.

Gene's three sisters, infant Ardith, Darlene and Fauna have passed. His brother James and wife Charolette survive him.

Gene was known for his many stories, his friendliness, and generosity. He will be missed.

Laura Mae Lengstorf Rajala

Laura Mae Rajala was the seventh child born to Charles and Jeanette Lengstorf. She had eight siblings and enjoyed the large family life. Laura was the last living member of the family.

She was born at home in Stokes Township and attended school in Marcell, Bigfork and graduated from FCH, Kalispell Montana.

She married her high school sweetheart, Gene Rajala, and they lived in Tacoma Washington while Gene was stationed in Ft. Lewis. They moved to Bigfork Minesota after.

Laura liked her hometown and was active in the social, school and church life of the community. She moved to Alaska and lived for 10 years while Gene commercial fished. Retiring back to Bigfork, closer to her children, Anne, Connie and Steve and the Grand children. She will also be missed.

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