Donald Jerome Tahtinen

Donald Jerome Tahtinen

January 3, 1941 – September 8, 2025

Donald Jerome Tahtinen, 84, of Milwaukie, Oregon, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on September 8, 2025.

Donald was born on January 3, 1941, in Ontonagon, Michigan, to Nels John Tahtinen and Thyra Aili Ellen Helin. He grew up in Trout Creek, Michigan, where he excelled in school, graduating as valedictorian. A gifted athlete, his high school basketball team went to the state finals three times, winning two state championships.

Don enlisted the United States Army, serving just prior to the Vietnam era. After his service, he married Dawn Renee Grandish, and together they built a life of faith, family, and adventure. Moving to California after marriage, he started his career with NCR, and in 1971 transferred to Duluth, Minnesota, where they settled in nearby Cloquet. There, Don raised his family, started his own business, and was very active in his church. After his wife Dawn passed in 2009, he moved to California, Oregon, and North Dakota.

Don was a man of deep faith, and lived an authentic, passionate life for Christ. He and Dawn traveled often as part-time missionaries, sharing the love of Jesus wherever they went. He will be remembered for his devotion to the Lord, his adventurous spirit, and his steadfast love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Nels and Ellen; his brothers, Nels Benjamin and Roy Russell John; his wife Dawn Renee Grandish; his children, Dean Owen and Kellie Kristine. He is survived by his children, Sean Gregory and Christopher Paul; his sisters, Elvira Diane Cankar and Eva Adeline Lundstrom; his grandchildren Corissa Jenae Knopp (Eric), Tyler Gregory Tahtinen (Brooke), Ryan Thomas Tahtinen (Erinn), Jeremiah Allen Tahtinen, Austin Allen Tahtinen, Cassie Nichole Wright (Adam), Teall Danyelle Tahtinen, Kyle Dean Tahtinen, Logan Vincent Tahtinen, Alexander Joseph Tahtinen, and Angela Kristine Tahtinen; and several great-grandchildren and extended family who will carry his memory forward.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at New Life Church in Carlton, Minnesota, with Visitation one hour prior, and interment to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet.

Donald's life was marked by faith, resilience, and generosity. He leaves a legacy of love, devotion, and testimony to God's goodness.-