Tauno Hyopponen

Tauno W. Hyopponen, 93, of Two Harbors died Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.

He was born on October 11, 1923 in Brimson to Finnish immigrants William and Mary (Potuskina) Hyopponen.  Tauno served in the Merchant Marines during WWII and worked for Continental Telephone Company for many years, retiring in 1983 at the age of 59.  He was united in marriage to Jean (Penner) Anderson on April 23, 1949.

Tauno was an avid rug loomer and knitted numerous hats for family, newborns and charities.  He enjoyed spending summers at his cabin on Bassett Lake by going hunting, fishing, and gardening.  Tauno also enjoyed building projects at his cabin with only recycled wood.  He traveled to Finland, Sweden, and Russia and visited his parents’ homeland, which is now part of Russia.  Tauno also enjoyed playing and winning Bingo at local clubs.

He was a member of the VFW, Loyal Order of Moose, American Legion, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Tauno was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean Hyopponen; brother, UnoHyopponen; and sisters, Irene Claveria, Sheila Mitchell, and Sylvia Highland.

He is survived by his children Susan (Stephen) Salzer of Eveleth and John (Pam) Hyopponen of Duluth; grandchildren Tom (Jenny Bourbonais) Salzer, Deb (Travis) Davidsavor, Carrie Hyopponen, David (Anne Drache) Hyopponen, Cayla (Aaron Leischke) Hyopponen, Jessica (Jim Torrance) Sparks and Heather (Ryan) Seeley; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Amanda Wickert; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM memorial service on Friday, April 21, 2017 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Two Harbors.