Obituary of Merton Juntunen

Merton "Chum" Juntunen, of Esko died on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at his home. He was born on February 11, 1932 in Esko to Hjalmer and Hilma Juntunen. Chum graduated from Esko High School where he excelled in basketball and football. He married the love of his life, Donna Mattson on November 24, 1956 in the Apostolic Lutheran Church. They have been married for 64 years. His first job was working at the family farm, when he got married he worked at Gamble Lumber, the Duluth Airport, and owned Regional Realty in Cloquet for several years. In the past few years he enjoyed giving rides to many of his friends in the community. There were times when Chum didn't always follow the rules. Everybody that knew him knew that was his way and it was ok. Chum will be so missed by his family and friends. He was one of a kind that touched so many people's lives. He turned the radio on polka music every Saturday and Sunday. He was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church, American Legion, and the VFW of Cloquet. He served in the Army during the Korean War and wrote a suitcase full of love letters to his sweetheart, Donna. Chum was preceded in death by his brothers, William, Carl, Art, Earl, Joseph, and Dennis; and sisters, Lorna Johnson, Martha Boutang, Betty Bergstedt, Elsa Carlson and baby Lucille. He is survived by his wife, Donna; sons, Gregory (Kim) and Phillip (Laura); five grandchildren, Jason, Kathryn, Laura, Erin, and Lindsey; seven great grandchildren; brother, Roy; and sister, Kay (Marlen) Perttula; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation 1:00 until the 2:00 p.m. Memorial Service Friday, August 27, 2021 in Apostolic Lutheran Church in Esko. Military Honors will be accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com