William W. Toivonen

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Toivonen, William W. Age 102, of Mpls. Passed away July 18, 2014. Bill was born October 13, 1911 to Finnish immi-grant parents in North Mpls in an area known as Finn Town. Preceded in death by wife Lillian (Rokala); parents Otto & Minnie Toivonen; sisters Helen and Marion; and grandson Lee Allison. Survived by his children William, Kay and Bernie Toivonen; grandchildren Karl, Kimberly and Kelsey Aasness, Kasi Green, Angie Toivonen, Traci Sandstrom, Brian Toivonen, Katie (Shaddi) Toivonen; great-grandchildren Gabriel, Amira and DeSean. Bill served in the Seabees during World War II spending time in the South Pacific. He was known for his adventuresome spirit and his quest for learning. In his youth he was a competitive ski jumper and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and bird watching. He was active in many Finnish cultural events throughout his life. Until recently Bill enjoyed water aerobics at the Minnetonka YMCA. He was referred to as the water mascot to the many mermaids that swam with him. Bill's painting business spanned three generations including his father and Bill's two sons. Bill was a long time member of Morgan Avenue Lutheran and Hope Lutheran Churches as well the Ballentine VFW of Mpls. Special thanks to the staffs of the VA Hospital of Mpls and the Villa of St Louis Park for their exceptional care. He will be truly missed and fondly remem-bered. Interment Crystal Lake Cemetery. Funeral service Thursday, 7/24/14 11 AM at Hope Lutheran Church, 5200 Emerson Ave. N., Mpls. Visitation 1 hour prior to service at church and also Wednesday 7/23/14 5-8 PM at: Washburn-McReavy.com Swanson Chapel 612-529-9691 1600 Lowry at Irving Ave. N.

Published on July 21, 2014