Gary Michael Kokkonen

Eden Prairie, MN - Gary Michael Kokkonen, 73, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, passed away of natural causes in his home on January 26, 2026.

Born on December 15, 1952, in Duluth, Minnesota, he was the son of Kalervo and Arlyne Kokkonen and grew up in Cloquet, Minnesota. Gary graduated from Cloquet High School in 1970. He earned a diploma in Electronics from the Duluth Area Vocational Institute of Technology in 1972.

While serving in the US Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was certified as a Field Artillery Computer Mechanic and earned a diploma as a Field Radio Mechanic. He was discharged from active duty in 1974 and was Honorably Discharged in 1978 as Specialist 5. After his service, he completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Industrial Technology and Electronics from the University of Minnesota - Duluth in 1979.

Gary lived in Eden Prairie, MN and spent his professional career working at various companies as a software engineer, application engineer, application/marketing specialist and test technician. His latest employment was with Williams AV of Eden Prairie. Time off during the pandemic led to his decision to retire.

As a proud veteran, Gary was active at the Chanhassen American Legion 580, where he developed many close friendships. He was very skilled at repairing small engines and electronics and enjoyed snowmobiling, canoeing, bowling, and spending time at the family cabin on the north shore of Lake Superior.

Gary is survived by his siblings, Judith (Carlton) Gustafson of Bird Island, MN; Jill (Jeffrey) May of Park Rapids, MN; Janell (John) Lemire of Duluth, MN; Brian Kokkonen of Cloquet, MN; and Joanna Kokkonen of Cloquet, MN. His nieces and nephews are Nikki (Kent) Bodurtha of Richfield, MN; Robert (Karli) Lemire of Duluth, MN; Kailee Lemire of Duluth, MN; and Hunter (Laura) May of Detroit Lakes, MN. He is also survived by five great-nieces, one great-nephew,

an aunt and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Jordan May.

Gary will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on April 7 at 11am. A memorial celebration will follow at the American Legion 580, Chanhassen at 1pm.