Floyd Melvin Ruona, 80, a lifelong Menahga area resident, died Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga.
He was born June 26, 1928 near Two Inlets to Victor and Hannah (Seikkula) Ruona. He grew up on his parents' farm in Shell River Township east of Menahga and attended country school near his home. Later, he went to Ipswich, SD where he built grain elevators for a season.
On July 29, 1950, he married Irene Ellen Maaninga in Menahga. On March 13, 1951, he went to work operating heavy equipment in the iron ore mines near Keewatin with the M.A. Hanna Mining Co. and continued farming. For many years, he drove to and from his work in the mines returning each evening to make hay and care for his herd of 50 beef cows. His career in mining continued for 30 years, until his retirement in 1981 from the National Steel Pellet Plant.
After retiring, he operated a sawmill and farmed, planting oats and harvesting them using old-time threshing methods.
He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga.
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Surviving are his wife; his son, Duane (Karen) of Brainerd; his daughter, Pam (Gary) Johnson of Menahga; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Johnson.
Funeral: 3 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. John Ramsbacher officiating. The soloist will be Lonnie Schmidt, who will sing "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art."
Honorary casket bearers: his grandchildren, Jason Ruona, Sarah Rehnstrand, Carrie Robbins and Joe Johnson.
Casket bearers: Mike Makela, Gordy Kussatz, Jerry Tomperi, Robert Condon, Harlin and Verdie Maaninga and Bob Seikkula.
Interment: Jim Cook Cemetery near Menahga.
