Obituary: Robert J. "Rob" Laaksonen

Robert J. “Rob” Laaksonen, 77, of Cloquet passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. He was born Feb. 27, 1946, to John and Erna (Morken) Laaksonen in Cloquet.

He was a 1964 graduate of Cloquet High School and furthered his education at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Rob was employed at Potlatch for more than 25 years and retired in 2002. He was a member of the Cloquet Connection and frequently traveled with them in support of UMD hockey.

Rob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gail Laaksonen; children, Anne Laaksonen-Fineday and Matt Laaksonen; five grandchildren, Molly (Josephine Umpierre) Fineday and Greenlee Fineday, and Rehn, Ehvi, and Olin Laaksonen; and siblings, Ronald Laaksonen, Kareen Brissett, and Rex (Mary) Laaksonen. He was preceded in death by his cousin and friend, Johnny Everson; and his parents.

A celebration of life will be held 2-5 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Scanlon Community Center. All those who knew him are invited to attend. Guests are encouraged to dress casually, as Rob would have preferred.

In lieu of flowers, Rob’s family appreciates memorial donations directed to the American Stroke Association. To sign an online registry, please visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.