Ron Jokimaki, 69, Moose Lake, died Sunday, March 8, 2026 at his home with his family by his side. He is now reunited with friends and family that have gone before and free from the health struggles he had been going through.
Ron was born on May 14, 1956 in Minneapolis to Nestor and Edie Jokimaki. He attended school through the 9th grade in Cloquet and then moved in with Uncle Gene, Aunt Margie, and cousins Sherry, Maija, and Robin Korpi. He attended school in Barnum for two years and played guitar with his Uncle Gene and the Moonlight Ramblers. Ron graduated from Cromwell High School in 1974 and developed a close friendship with Mickey Heaser while both played guitar and sang with Ron’s sister, Kathy. They harmonized country and 50’s & 60’s tunes in Lawler and various establishments. In 1977, brother Randy joined in with the drums forming the band, The Riverhill Rangers. In 1985, brother Dave joined in singing, bass notes, and the rhythm guitar. Ron’s immense musical talent allowed him to play a realm of instruments and bring his perfectionism to music. He also played in The Jokimaki Band, The Keystone’s and Digger, Uncle Lucky, at many community events, town festivals, and weddings.
He worked for Gene Korpi Logging in Grand Marias, On July 2, 1983, Ron married Linda Gustafson in Rochester. He worked for IBM until moving back north. Ron worked for several years at Groth Lumber in Wright and several seasonal jobs in the area. Ron decided to further his education and joined his wife at Fond Du Lac college in the early 1990’s. He was extremely intelligent and classes came easy for him to attain straight A’s and be inducted into Theta Kappa Society. This education brought on new opportunities and he began working as a security counselor at MSOP in Moose Lake during the mid-90’s until retiring in 2012.
In retirement, Ron continued to surround himself with music. He played at nursing homes, community church services, and was well known for his music on Facebook, his You Tube Channel: Riverhill85, and his daily songs during Covid to continue to provide entertainment to people. His recording studio in his Man Cave was always open to help others attain their goals in music and find their talents with Ron’s musical perfectionism.
Ron will long be remembered for being compassionate and kind. He had an incredible sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Ron had a great love for history and was a WWII buff. He was a dedicated MN Vikings fan solidifying his loyalty with a Vikings tattoo. Ron loved his pets including his dog, cat, and recently adding a few chickens.
Ron also enjoyed morning Bible study with his wife, Linda as they were members of the Shepard’s Chapel in Gravette, AR. Linda was honored to be able to anoint Ron after his death.
Ron was preceded in death by his dad: Nestor Jokimaki; sister: Kathy Pearson; father-in-law: Gordon Gustafson; and brother-in-law: John Gustafson.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Linda; 5 children: JoAnn (Barry) Davidson; Michelle (James II) Morsani; Maggie (Nikko Jensen) Jokimaki; Tony Jokimaki; and Jesse (Brooke Nelson) Jokimaki; 7 grandchildren: Morgan, Camryn, Tony Jr., Erik, James III, Kinsley, and Coltan; mother: Edie Jokimaki; siblings: Barbie (Mark) Lund; Randy (Carmen) Jokimaki; and David (Raenese) Jokimaki; mother-in-law: Estella Gustafson; brothers-in-law: Jeff (Sherry) Gustafson; Doug Gustafson; Jim (Junell) Gustafson; and Dave Gustafson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was also survived by Jill Bonneville, his former wife and the mother of his first two daughters.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the First Responders who came to the house and assisted with Ron on March 8.. The Carlton County Sheriffs Office, Moose Lake Fire, and Essentia Ambulance really came together to help the family at a time need and the family is extremely appreciative of their efforts.
A Celebration of Life Potluck for Ron will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Soo Line Event Center, 900 Folz Blvd., Moose Lake, MN. The service will be at 1 pm followed by fellowship until 5 pm.
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