Roy Ahonen

Roy Ahonen—a man of deep faith, steady hands, and a heart that led always with kindness—passed peacefully on March 20, 2026, in Fort Myers, Florida, at the age of 99 surrounded by family.

His passing came just seven days after the death of his beloved wife of 74 years, Doreen—a love so enduring it could not be separated by time. Even after nearly a century of life, Roy simply could not remain in a world without her. We take comfort in knowing they are reunited, resting together now in the arms of eternity.

Born in Ironwood, Michigan, on November 15, 1926, to Finnish immigrants Arvey and Ellen Ahonen, Roy was shaped by the rugged beauty and resilience of the Northwoods. He carried that spirit with him always—quiet strength, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he discovered a lifelong love of flight, and later earned a degree in forestry from the University of Michigan. But it was in his hometown where Roy’s legacy would take root.

At just 29 years old, after the passing of his father, Roy took over Ahonen Lumber Company, leading it not just as a business, but as a lifeline for the community. He believed in people—in showing up, in providing, in doing right by others. When Ironwood faced economic hardship in the late 1960s, Roy stepped forward once again, serving as Mayor in 1968 and guiding the town through uncertainty with steady resolve and an open heart. For his leadership and unwavering character, he was honored as “Man of the Year.”

But beyond titles and accomplishments, Roy’s greatest legacy was how he lived.

Kindness was his currency.
Faith was his compass.
And love—quiet, steadfast, enduring—was the foundation of his life.

On April 14, 1951, he married Doreen Shogren, beginning a partnership that would become the center of everything. Together, they built a life rich in laughter, adventure, and devotion. Whether traveling the world, golfing side by side, or drifting across the Manitowish Waters on their beloved pontoon boat, they moved through life as one—finishing each other’s sentences, holding hands through every season.

A proud son of Finnish heritage, Roy embodied the spirit of sisu—a word that defies simple translation. It is strength in the face of adversity, quiet courage, perseverance when there is nothing left to give. It is grit, grace, and determination held in reserve for life’s hardest moments. Roy didn’t just understand sisu—he lived it. And because of him, it lives on in all of us.

He was also a master of the Finnlander joke, always ready with a story or a laugh, often delivered with a twinkle in his eye. He outlived nearly all of his friends, but never his ability to connect, to uplift, to make others feel seen and welcomed.

Roy is survived by his sister Karen Newman, his children: Deborah Ahonen, Gail Stangeland, Tom Ahonen (Patsy), and Jeff Ahonen (Dawn). He was a proud grandfather to Brooke Stangeland (Rich Portale), Jade Sceusa, Stephan Ahonen, Meghan Ahonen, and Trevor Ahonen; and a great-grandfather to Mathias Petroff, Juniper Ahonen, Hudson Portale, and Sebastian Portale.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Don Ahonen and Helen Savel, his beloved granddaughter Brittany, and his cherished wife, Doreen—his partner in all things.

Our hearts are broken, and it is difficult to imagine a world without him. But we know this: he gave us everything we need to carry forward. He gave us sisu.

A celebration of life for Roy and Doreen will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Roy by holding your loved ones close, spending time in nature, offering kindness freely, and finding laughter whenever you can.

That is how he lived.
And that is how he would want us to go on.