Wallace Tikkanen

Wallace W. Tikkanen, 74, of Finland, passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at his home.

He was born on January 18, 1938 to Wayne and Arlene (Nikolai) Tikkanen in Two Harbors. Wally was an entrepreneur, starting in his younger years having a riding stable, gravel hauling, logging, and trapping businesses. He worked 30 years for Erie Mining Co., sold snowmobiles, ran campgrounds, and operated the Four Season Supper Club for over 26 years.

Wally loved his family unconditionally and would do anything for them. His heart broke when he lost Jamie, but was double blessed with her son Sully. He saw untold words in other's eyes, especially in the expressive eyes of Sully and Hunter. His spirit was strong and will always be an active part of our lives.

Wally is preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Arlene Tikkanen; brother, Kenneth Tikkanen; sister, Shirley Beck; his beloved granddaughter Jamie Tikkanen; brother-in-law, Clair Nelson; sister-in-law Judy Moody; nephew Jeff Weeks; and mother and father-in-law, Carol and Dale Banks.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughter, LouAnn (David) Thompson; son, Jeffrey (Shelly) Tikkanen; grandson Jeremy (Arlene) Tikkanen; step-grandchildren Dakota and Skylar Thompson; great-grandsons Sully and Hunter Tikkanen who lit up his life; sister, Velda Nelson; brother-in-law Dick Beck; and special friends Dustin and Oscar.

Services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday December 5, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church in Finland. Burial will be in Crystal Bay Cemetery.