Constance "Connie" Kinnunen

Constance "Connie" Kinnunen

1940 - 2025

Constance "Connie" Kinnunen, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Sunday, September 7, 2025, at River Grand Assisted Living.

Connie was born in 1940 to Onni and Helen Erickson in Virginia, MN. A 1958 graduate of Mountain Iron High School, Connie met her future husband, Tom, in typing class. Tom and Connie were united in marriage on November 25, 1961, and were blessed with two sons, Bill and Jack.

Connie worked over 20 years for Itasca County Social Services and cherished the friendships she developed with her co-workers. After retirement, Connie enjoyed attending Grand Rapids High School and American Legion baseball games, watching her grandchildren play multiple sports, and donating her time to help others in need. Connie was a devoted volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank, Grace House, Lunch Buddies, and the Crop Walk. She was also active in Thursday night meetings and social justice activities for many years.

Connie was quiet, soft-spoken, and had a quick wit. She was an avid reader, loved frequenting bookstores and libraries, and held a penchant for good grammar. Most of all, Connie thoroughly enjoyed every minute she spent with her family.

Connie is preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents; and her brother, Warren "Skip" Erickson. Survivors include her wonderful sons and amazing daughters-in-law, William "Bill" (Teresa), John "Jack" (Tari); four precious grandchildren, Bailey, Luke, Kaija, and Hannah; sister, Sheila (Lou) Stocco; brother, Charles "Chuck" Erickson; and sister-in-law, Dixie Erickson.

Visitation will be on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church beginning at 10:00 AM and lasting until the 11:00 AM memorial service. Burial will be at Itasca Calvary cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Connie would be grateful if you would make a donation to your local food shelf or volunteer at a local shelter. Her wish is also that you act with justice, love tenderly, serve one another, and walk humbly with God.

Connie's family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at River Grand Senior Living and Essentia Health-St. Mary's Itasca Hospice, for the excellent care and compassion she received.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.