Tina Marie Illikainen

Tina Marie Illikainen, age 62, a lifetime Northland resident, passed away with family by her side on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. Tina was raised in Proctor, Minnesota, the daughter of Glenn and Tina Danberg. She graduated from Proctor High School in 1981 and went on to earn her degree at Duluth Business University in 1982. Tina was proud of her 30 year-long career as a phlebotomist. During college, she met the love of her life, Mark Illikainen, and the two were united in marriage on December 1, 1984. Mark and Tina were blessed with a son, Aaron, on March 17, 1991. Tina loved all strongly and unconditionally. She had Mark's back throughout every day of their marriage, over 40 years.

Tina loved spending time in the backyard gazebo, also known as their "cabin," where she would listen to music or baseball, and dance with Mark. She loved catching falling leaves in autumn and enjoying a hot tub any time of the year. Tina also enjoyed traveling, including attending NASCAR in Arizona twice per year. The passion for races was started by her brother, Mike, and the tradition was carried on after his passing by Tina. Tina and her mother continued visiting Mike's wife Valerie twice a year. Tina's assurance of salvation through faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ offers so much comfort. Tina would want all to know Jesus as their Savior and to consider signing up as an organ donor. In accordance with living a life of faith and love for others, one silver lining in the dark cloud of Tina's death was the opportunity to become a hero and donate her organs so others could live.

Tina is survived by her mother; husband, Mark; son, Aaron; sisters, Julie (James) Demars and Jenny (Doug) Martineau; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and brother, Michael Hulen.

Services will be held Monday, October 6, 2025, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cloquet. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until the 10:30 a.m. celebration of life ceremony. A private family interment will be held at Leonard Cemetery in Kettle River, Minnesota. Nelson Funeral Care has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be directed to LifeSource in accordance with her family's strong support of the mission of LifeSource organ donation program.