Obituary of Tauno Rudolph Suomala

Tauno Rudolph Suomala, 85, Duluth, died Sunday, May 16, 2004 in Lakeshore Lutheran Home, Duluth. He was born July 27, 1918 in Floodwood, the son of John and Hannah (Heiskari) Suomala. Tauno married Elizabeth "Betsy" Bjorkquist on November 18, 1944 in Floodwood. He was an Army veteran of WWII. Tauno was a truck driver for 30 years for Midland Cooperatives in Superior, retiring in 1978. He was a member of Kenwood Lutheran Church, Duluth, and enjoyed traveling and wintering in warmer climates. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Sharon Suomala and a brother, John Suomala. Tauno is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth "Betsy" of Duluth; three sons, Donald of Jacobson, Richard (Harriet) of Duluth and Gerald (Robin Schiavone) of Duluth; two sisters, Sylvia Nordberg of Brooklyn Center, MN and Elvie Arfman of Minneapolis; 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 19, 2004 from 5 - 7 p.m. in Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Visitation will continue Thursday from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service in Kenwood Lutheran Church, 324 W. Cleveland St, Duluth. Interment will be Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. in Forest Hill Cemetery, Van Buren Township.