Donald Henry Wiiliainen

Don Wiiliainen, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 7, 2026. He was born in Hibbing, MN on March 15, 1956, to Hank and Helen (Erickson) Wiiliainen. Don was a 1975 Hibbing High School graduate and married his high school sweetheart, Jodi Ruzich in September of 1979.

Following graduation, he entered the family business, Hank’s Woodworks, with his father and was later joined by his brother Ron. Upon Hank’s retirement, Don and Ron grew the business to be one of the Range’s premier home building and remodeling companies.

Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, trips to the casino, and cruising the back roads, stopping at his favorite joints. He always enjoyed their numerous fishing trips to Canada each year with friends where the only person catching bigger fish than he was Jodi.

He leaves behind his wife Jodi of 47 years, brother Ron (Rhonda) Wiiliainen, Hibbing, sister Donna Wiiliainen, Carlton, step siblings Kim Stokes (Gary Cerkvenick), Britt, Susan (Paul Sherman) Stokes, St. Paul, and Jason Stokes, Boston. Also surviving Don are his brother and sister-in-law, Tom Ruzich, Buhl, Bobbie Ruzich, Side Lake, cousin Bruce Wiiliainen, Duluth, goddaughter Amanda Stokes, Hibbing, and many friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Connie Mayrand.

Always a kind man, his final act of kindness is being an organ donor.

If you knew Don, you know why there are no services. Just tip a “premo” or two in his honor.