Waino A. Yrjanainen

Waino A. Yrjanainen, 90, longtime Brule, WI resident, passed away peacefully, October 26, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth, MN. He was born in Vaasa, Finland February 17, 1932, the son of John Yrjanainen and Impi (Myllykangas) Yrjanainen.

Waino Yrjanainen was united in marriage to Nona Johnson in November of 1952, and they celebrated 69 years of marriage before her passing.

Waino worked for Link Brothers as head mechanic for many years. He was also employed by the George Johnson Garage in Brule.

Waino was an avid outdoorsman. Not only was he a hunter and fisherman, he also rolled on his 4-wheeler and roamed the countryside on cross-county skis. His indoor time was spent with a ham radio or researching anything mechanics related. He also loved being the master mechanic of the #84 modified race car of his nephew, Dean Yrjanainen. This being after his brother Elmer, the true genius of speed, passed on the role.

Waino is survived by his five children, Jeanie (Donald) Jokinen, Iron Mountain, MI, Bonnie (Robert) Liubakka, Superior, WI, Donna Yrjanainen, Coon Rapids, MN, Waino John (Sheila) Yrjanainen, Eldorado, KS, and Todd (Emily) Yrjanainen, Superior, WI; nineteen grandchildren, Anna (Ronald) Graves, Sanna (Bill) Henrickson, Donnie Jokinen, Josephine (Lee) Yoki, Nathan Liubakka, Jonah (Cassie) Liubakka, Seija (Mike) Isaacs, Coty (Brianna) Liubakka, Nicholas (Holly) Kallenbach, Lindsay (Nick Wilbur) Kallenbach , Nina (John Smith) Liubakka, Bo Liubakka, Trish (Matt) Berger, Mistee (Jed) Gable, Mandee (Brad) Emerson, Samuel Yrjanainen, Waino Jake (Lindsay) Yrjanainen, Brianna (Josh) Sislo and Corinne (Josh) Poland; and many, many great-grandchildren; one sister, Eeva-Liisa (William) Wiitala, and one brother, Leo (Lois) Yrjanainen.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nona, daughter, Vicky Yrjanainen; Jim Rak (significant other of Donna Yrjanainen); great-granddaughter, Adalyn Liubakka; sister Alli Johnson; brother Elmer Yrjanainen; and his parents, John and Impi Yrjanainen.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, 3863 S County Road F, Maple, WI, and will continue until the 1:00 PM Memorial Service with Wayne Bergstead officiating.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.