Obituary: Michael "Mike" Lee Suronen

Michael “Mike” Lee Suronen, 68, of Barnum, Minnesota, took his last breath on Friday, June 28, 2024, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota. He was surrounded by loved ones with his favorite classic country tunes playing, as his short but mighty battle with cancer came to an end.

Mike was born September 10, 1955, to Elmer and Lucille (Strandberg) Suronen in Cloquet, Minnesota, and grew up in Barnum as the youngest of three children. After high school, Mike married his first wife, Eleanor, and raised two daughters in his hometown. His second marriage was to Lucy (Watson) Peterson. He was a wonderful father and was loved dearly by his daughters, Tina and Angie, and stepchildren, Laura and Nolan.

Mike worked over two decades for the city of Barnum at the local municipal where he made many lifelong friends and was always happy to lend a friendly ear. He later embarked on a second career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation where he spent another decade serving and helping others in an entirely new way until his retirement in November 2012.

A proud Finlander, Mike was always quick with a joke (or a sarcastic remark), even in his last moments. He loved country music, playing guitar, and singing. Mike was a skilled tinkerer and “MacGyver” in his own right, with a knack for fixing everything from cars to computers. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. In his retirement years, he returned to many of his old favorites – fishing, westerns, and movies (“Goonies,” “Stand by Me,” “Wizard of Oz,” and “A Christmas Story” topped his list). Mike added cooking shows as a favorite pastime and was known for printing and trying new recipes, though none were as good as his yummy spare ribs. He particularly looked forward to his “nights out” to play bingo, so much that he even named his beloved pup “Bingo.”

Above all, Mike cherished his family, maintaining close relationships with his sister, Adelle, and brother, Wayne; checking in on his kids; and attending activities for his grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Don Coppernoll; and second wife, Lucy. He is survived by children, Tina (Matthew) Koecher, Angie (Brandon) Palmer; stepchildren, Laura (Brent) Selden and Nolan (Gwen) Peterson; brother, Wayne (Rose) Suronen; sister, Adelle (Joe) Folz; niece, Amy (Jeremiah) Jurek; first wife, Eleanor (mother of Tina and Angie); significant other, Jackie Sheldon; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Mike was blessed with 15 grandchildren: Lucas, Delaney, Madison, Arie, Austin (Megan), Michael (Leah), Gunner (Madelyn), Jaileigh, Gabriella, Bashton, Maverick, Gracelyn, Beckett, Jack & George; and two great-grandchildren, Zidane and Kanan.

Known by many titles — son, Dad, husband, brother, Grandpa, Papa, Great Grandpa, friend, partner, and bingo buddy — Mike will be dearly remembered and deeply missed by his family and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Barnum United Methodist Church, 3762 Front St, Barnum, MN 55707 on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon, with lunch to follow. A moment will also be taken to celebrate and honor Lucy, who passed away in 2021. A private interment of ashes will be separately held at Mount Salem Cemetery in Mahtowa, Minnesota.

Arrangements made by Hamlin Hansen Kosloski Funeral Home.