Obituary: Raymond Oscar Joki

Raymond Oscar Joki, 82, of Esko passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in his home. He was born on July 20, 1940, in Duluth to Waino and Anna Joki. Raymond graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1958. He married Virginia Armstrong on March 20, 1981.

Raymond worked as a draftsman for Seaway (SEH) Engineering in Duluth until retiring in 2000. He enjoyed traveling and listening to gospel music, and was a member of the Senior Bible Study group for many years. He was an avid bird watcher and also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, watching football and baseball, and was the hockey coach for his son's team in the 1970s. Raymond was very proud of his Finnish heritage. He built many saunas over the years, and enjoyed taking them daily.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ernest Joki and Edwin Joki; and sister, Ellen Iverson.

He will be missed by his wife, Gina; son, Gregg (Suzie) Joki; daughters, Lynne (Karl) Howg and Karin (Michael) Lovold; stepdaughters, Kathy Koski, Susan Koski and Linda (Dan) Koski; stepson, Jay Koski; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother Richard Joki; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. memorial service Tuesday, Dec. 27 in Grace Church, 601 14th St., Cloquet. A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St., Cloquet. To sign the guestbook and leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.

Pine Knot News, Dec. 23, 2022