Ricky Roy Wainio

DULTUH, Minn. - Ricky Roy Wainio, 67, of Wakefield, Michigan, passed away peacefully after one incredible fight with cancer on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on March 11, 1954, in Ironwood, Michigan, the son of Levi and Pauline Wainio. Rick lived in Wakefield his entire life. He graduated from Wakefield High School.

On Feb. 21, 1976, he married the love of his life, Susan Marie St. Vincent, in Ironwood. They were married 45 years.

Rick was known for his quiet, selfless, giving nature. It didn't matter if he knew you or not, if he saw you needed help, he wouldn't hesitate to fix your flat, get your car running, or just offer some kindly advice. But you couldn't leave without hearing at least one Toivo and Eino joke. He was a self taught mechanic and a natural with hydraulics.

He worked most of his life at his passion, logging. The day after graduation, he started working for Connor Forest Industries. After 17 years there, he was employed at White Pine Copper Range for six years. Then, he returned to logging, working for Miljevich Corp. for 23 years and then Ottawa Forest Products for just over two years when he retired due to his illness.

Because Rick loved the outdoors, he loved spending time camping with his family, around a good campfire and listening to good thunderstorm. Something else he held dear was his faith in God's promise for the future, in which no one will be sick, and we'll be reunited with our dead loved ones in perfect conditions here on earth. (Isaiah 33:24; John 5:28, 29)

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; two daughters, Leah Wainio, of Duluth, and Naomi Wainio, of Wakefield; two brothers, Sonny Wainio, of Wakefield and Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Kenneth (Bonnie) Wainio, of Ironwood, Michigan; three sisters, Shirley (Alphonse) Leuzzo, of Bessemer, Michigan, Darlene Overton, of Wakefield, and Joanne (Gerald) Strebe, of Washburn, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; and three nieces, Sheila, Regina and Alicia.

A memorial service on Zoom will be held Saturday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m., preceded by a pre-recorded photo presentation highlighting Rick's life.

All arrangements are being handled through the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Ironwood where Rick was an active member for 47 years. For the required sign-on information please contact anyone in the family.

In lieu of flowers, cards may be sent to Wainio Family, 202 Olson Ave., Wakefield, MI 49968.