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Aino Marie Kantonen, 91, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022, with family by her side at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton. She was born Sept. 12, 1930, in Veteli, Finland, the daughter of Robert and Rosa Vahakainu. She immigrated to Cloquet with her family.

Aino was married to Ahti Kantonen in 1948. She was a loving, kind and devoted mother, grandmother, wife and homemaker. Together for more than 60 years, they shared a full life. Aino will be remembered for her joyful spirit, strong faith and love for her family and friends.

Aino was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ahti Kantonen; brothers John Kainu and Robert Kainu; son-in-law Gerald LeBrasseur; and great-granddaughter Cheylie Clark.

Aino was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her children Linda LeBrasseur, Gary (Mary) Kantonen, Kevin (Mavis) Kantonen, Lee (Laurie) Kantonen, Richard Kantonen and Julie (James) Juntti; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral Friday, April 1, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1705 Wilson Ave. in Cloquet. A luncheon will follow. Burial will be at a later date in Perch Lake Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet. To sign the guestbook and leave an online tribute, visit atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.