Wiljo Tuomi

Wiljo A. Tuomi, 89, of East Gull Lake, MN died peacefully at his home Sunday, February 7, 2016. Services for Wiljo will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11:00AM at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.

Wiljo was born January 18, 1927 in Chicago, IL to Eino and Alma (Salmi) Tuomi. He and his family moved to The Village of East Gull Lake at an early age. Wiljo graduated from Brainerd High School. He then entered the United States Navy during WWII. After his honorable discharge, he attended Brainerd Junior College for 2 years where he participated in the 1949 College Mens Basketball National Championship Playoffs. He was united into marriage to Phyllis Wright in Minneapolis, MN on March 10, 1952. Wiljo was owner of Tuomi Construction working with sons, Wiljo II and Allan in the Brainerd Lakes Area and also worked with his son, Nathan at Gull Lake Glass. Wiljo was former partner/owner of Ernies. He was the former mayor of East Gull Lake and was a Justice of the Peace. Wiljo enjoyed cross country skiing, fishing, basketball, and swimming. He also liked playing horseshoes, softball, and especially enjoyed his daily walks. Wiljo's greatest joy was spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Wiljo is survived by his children, Roxanne (Mark Trees) Tuomi of East Gull Lake, MN, Wiljo (Anne) Tuomi II of Brainerd, MN, Mitch Tuomi of Costa Mesa, CA, Suzanne (Jerry Luke) Tuomi of Baxter, MN, Allan (Amee Winter) Tuomi of Goodyear, AZ, and Nathan (Mary) Tuomi of East Gull Lake, MN; sister, Dorothy Dahle; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; and grandson, Alex. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.