Oliver Juntunen

Oliver Juntunen died peacefully on August 24, 2025 at the age of 98 years & 10 months at Oak Hill Assisted Living Home, after a short illness. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. All his children were there to comfort him during the last days of his life. He loved God and is now in his heavenly home. 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 North Central School of Agriculture in Grand Rapids. He participated in cross country, and they called him the “Flying Finn”. He was also in wrestling, glee club, and the grain judging team. He received the All Around Student Award at his 1944 graduation.

He was an exceptional farmer. At a very young age, Oliver had such a love for animals and the land that he wanted to be a farmer. At three or four years old, when his Dad was plowing with a team of horses and a hand plow, he would follow the furrow behind him for hours. At that age, he sprinkled water on a calf’s head and said, “Your name shall be Tillie.”

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 the 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. He retired from dairy farming at age 62. In 2013 he and Gertie were honored to be named Itasca Farm Family of the Year. He was still helping his son Dale in the fields while in his early 90’s.

They designed and built a houseboat in the early 60’s and spent many hours enjoying time together with family and friends on Grave Lake. They traveled to 33 states including an Alaskan cruise, a trip to Nova Scotia and two trips to Finland.

Oliver loved being outdoors. He had his own sawmill and during winters he logged. He and Dale harvested their trees and prepared the all lumber for their retirement home on Grave Lake. As the ice appeared on the lakes he looked forward to netting tullibees. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He valued his relationships with his neighbors and had a passion for preserving Suomi community history. Over the years Oliver served on several boards including Itasca Mutual Insurance and Northern Star Cooperative Services, was a Forest Service Fire Warden for many years, and he and Gertie were very involved in church life. He had a love for storytelling and reciting poetry. Oliver was known for his amazing ability to memorize epic poems, even in his 90’s; two being Paul Revere’s Ride and his favorite, The Village Blacksmith.

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.

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 will be Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Followed by a service at 2:00 at Marcell Community Church. There will be a light reception following the service at Marcell Family Center.

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