Lillian Luukkonen

Lillian Luukkonen, 92, of Cherry, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023 at Waterview Woods in Eveleth.

Lillian was born at home, one of six children, in Zim on February 18, 1931 to John and Mary (Klobuchar) Tomljenovich. Playing with her siblings lead to Lillian’s love of playing cards and games.

She graduated from Cherry High School in 1949 and began working at the Arrow Shirt Factory. Shortly after that she met the love of her life, Warner Luukkonen. On June 14, 1952 they were united in marriage in Eveleth and made their home in the Cherry-Zim area where they raised their three children.

Lillian, a proud homemaker, loved baking, playing cards, spending time with grandchildren, visiting with family and friends, and most important playing bingo.

Lillian is survived by her sisters Millie “Goo-Goo” Luukkonen and Marilyn Bandelow; son Roger “Casey” (Patty) Luukkonen of Eveleth and grandchildren Casey, Levi, Callie, Corey and Billy; daughter Sharon (Steve) Greenwood of Hibbing and grandchildren Serina (Joe) and Sasha (Nate); son Robert (Patricia) Luukkonen of Mountain Iron and grandchildren Robecca (Ryan), Emily, Katie, Joshua and Ashley; numerous great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a special bingo buddy, Dorothy and casino partner, Angela.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warner Luukkonen; brothers Michael and Peter and sister Rosie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the McDavitt Town Hall, 9042 Zim Road, on Sunday, August 13 at 1:00 - 4:00. Inurnment to follow at the Zim Cemetery.

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