Ray Haapanen

Ray Haapanen

1932 - 2025

Ray Haapanen, 93, of Shoreview, Minnesota passed away on December 2, 2025. Ray grew up in Goodland, Minnesota, and graduated from Nashwauk High School, followed by two years at Dunwoody.

Ray married Joan Saari from Swan River, and they moved to Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, in 1959. Ray was employed in the Commercial Garage Door business and followed that by staring an outboard motor & boat business.

Ray spent two years in the Army (Infantry). The highlights of those two years include making the berth on the 5th Army High Power rifle team and receiving the highest award in the United States as a result of the National Match Competition.

Ray enjoyed fishing in Alaska and deer hunting in Goodland.

Ray loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and also made two trips to Finland. Ray was very proud of his Finnish heritage, as both of his parents immigrated from Finland.

Survived by wife of 67 years, Joan: children Brian (Becky) Haapanen, Tracey (Mike) Anderson; grandchildren, Derek Gritti (Alexandra Davis), Larissa (Mark Schanzenbach) Gritti, Ryan (Ally) Gritti, Joseph Haapanen, Laura (Jordan) Limmer; great-grandson, Elton Gritti; sister-in-law, Judy (David) Koelsch. A Celebration of Ray's life will be held at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH BLAINE CHAPEL (1385-107th Ave. NE) Sunday, December 7th, 2025, from 1-4 PM. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

www.kozlakradulovich.com

"A Celebration of Life"

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