Obituary of Linda Rae Tuhkanen

Linda Rae Tuhkanen, 75 of Cotton, MN quietly left us to join her beloved Herbie for a heavenly waltz on October 26th, 2021. Linda was born in Duluth, MN on May 24th, 1946 to Genevieve (Miller) and Paul Gustafson. 

Linda’s young years were spent growing up in Proctor, MN and later the family moved to Cotton, MN where she would graduate from Cotton High School in 1964. Linda married her high school sweetheart and true love Herbert Tuhkanen on May 1st, 1965 in Cotton, MN. Linda had various jobs within the community including working for her Parents restaurant, driving dump truck for her and her husband’s business and most importantly raising their 2 children. In 1975 she began working for the United States Postal Service where she dedicated over 30 years. In 2005 she retired as the Cotton Postmaster, a job she thoroughly enjoyed.

Linda was a lifetime member of the Cotton Community Church and the NRA. She served many years on the Cotton Volunteer Fire Department. She was also a part of Daughters of the Nile, Cotton Civic Club, C.C. Riders Snowmobile Club, Cotton Senior Citizens, The Red Hats and retired postal groups.

Linda loved to dance and dress in bling (the more sparkles the better). Whether it was her monthly dance at the Cotton Community Center or traveling across the state to a Polka Fest. Dancing brought her joy. Linda was fortunate to travel with friends and family to many countries and most US States. She walked the Great Wall of China, climbed a mast at sea, white water rafted down the Colorado River, and had many more adventures of a life time. Linda wintered in Arizona where she met lots of good friends. She enjoyed yard work, volunteering, pickle ball, diamond art, hiking, riding horse, snowmobiling and too many more activities to list.

Linda loved her grandchildren dearly and was always there to support and cheer them on. She was a vibrant soul with a heart of gold. She welcomed everyone with open arms. She was very patriotic and proud of her U.S. flag. Linda had an infectious smile and made friends wherever she went. She lived her life to the fullest and was always planning her next adventure. She will be deeply missed by all.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband Herbert Tuhkanen, parents Paul and Genevieve Gustafson and brother Gerald Gustafson.

Linda is survived by her son Troy (Kristin Parks) Tuhkanen of Eveleth; daughter Laurel (Dennis) Olsen of Cotton; Grandchildren; Kaylynn (Brandon) LaFave, Taylor West, Tyler (Alyssa McCorison) Olsen, Camryn Olsen and Boden; Great Grand Child, Landon. Brother Paul (Elena) Gustafson of Colorado Springs, sister in-law Joann Gustafson of St. Michael, MN, many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at the Cremation Society of Duluth, 4100 Grand Ave. Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 with a visitation one hour prior at the Cotton Community Church, 7566 Arkola Rd, Cotton. A luncheon will be held after the Service at the Cotton Community Center. Inurnment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Cotton. If desired and in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made to the Cotton Community Church.