Obituary: Ray Riihiluoma

Ray Riihiluoma, 97, of Cloquet, joined his Marilyn in the presence of their Savior Jesus Christ, on Sept. 15, 2025, after a short time in hospice care in Duluth.

Raymond Carl Riihiluoma was born on the family farm in Kettle River on April 25, 1928, to Helvi (Siltanen) and Charles Riihiluoma. He spoke only Finnish on the farm, learning English at a nearby one-room schoolhouse.

Ray graduated from Moose Lake High School in 1946. With his incredible work ethic and Sisu, Ray balanced working at the Wood Conversion plant in Cloquet with numerous side jobs building cabinets, windows, and concrete basements. Business knowledge was gained by self-study at the public library.

Ray married Marilyn West on Sept. 25, 1949, and together they had six children. Marilyn would tell her children that they were "just a couple of farm kids making their way in this world."

Ray essentially single-handedly built their first family home on Birch Street in 1951. Over the next 40 years, Ray grew his construction company with projects throughout northern Minnesota. He was especially proud to partner with other Cloquet businessmen, such as Denny Sorenson and Frank Benkoski in local developments such as Erickson Acres and the Lumberjack Mall.

Ray was an avid fisherman and hunter, especially enjoyed sharing his love for the outdoors with his family at Camp Charlie, the family hunting shack.

Ray developed and drew strength from his Christian faith. Upon retiring in 1992, Ray began hosting a men's Bible study in his home that continued for more than 20 years. Journey Christian Church was Ray's church home.

Ray is survived by his children, Marcia (John) Franzen, Susan (Rich) Garrett, Jeanne (Greg) Webb, Nancy (Bill) Teten, Heidi Riihiluoma, and John (Kelly) Riihiluoma; grandchildren, Jenny (Chuck) Helgeton, Peter (Erin) Franzen, David (Shannon) Franzen, Lisa (Jeremy) Bowen, John (Melissa) Franzen, Hannah (Jonathan) Chappell, Hope Eden, Heather (Andrew) Ross, Dr. Matthew (Ruth) Garrett, Dr. Andrew (Stephanie) Garrett, Allison Garrett, Anna (Jesse) Bower, Juli (Darrin) Smedsmo, Jonathan (Grace) Webb, Benjamin (Kady) Webb, Joy (Joe) Maschhoff, Kristie (Jens) Davis, John (Melissa) Teten, David (Pamela) Teten, Dr. Paul (Dr. Jesus) Teten, Amy (Maggie) Teten, Emily (Steven) Soderlund, Angela Riihiluoma, Daniel Riihiluoma, and Dr. William Riihiluoma; 60 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Nancy Riihiluoma; many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Marilyn, in 2021; brother, Norman Riihiluoma; and an infant brother, Robert.

The funeral service will be held at noon Monday, Sept. 22 at Atkins-Northland Funeral Home at 801 14th Street in Cloquet. Visitation will take place an hour prior. Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet. A lunch will follow at the funeral home.

Pine Knot News, Sept. 19, 2025