Gregory Michael Kuusisto

Gregory Michael Kuusisto age 46 of Nashwauk passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026. He was born December 2, 1979, in Hibbing to Randolph and Annette (Brown) Kuusisto. Greg graduated from Nashwauk-Keewatin High School class of 1998. Following graduation, he attended Hibbing Community College. Greg started his career as a bartender at the GI Club in Nashwauk until his family purchased the Vene Qua in Keewatin in 2002, now known as AK’s Bar & Grill. He continued working there as the Manager until the bar sold. Greg was extremely intelligent; he had a photographic memory, which served him well during game shows like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud. He was an avid reader and retained everything he read. Greg loved spending time playing Foosball, fishing, reading, listening to heavy metal and rap music and watching South Park, Life Below Zero or any stand- up comedian. Greg also had an artistic side and designed tattoos for himself and friends. Greg was famous for his sarcastic sense of humor, infamous one-liners and classic “dad jokes.” He was very selective of his friends, but once that bond was made Greg was loyal beyond measure. Most importantly, Greg was very devoted and protective of his family. Over the years, he made sure countless people had a safe ride home from the bar after a night out. Greg saved numerous people throughout the years by having hard, frank conversations about life. He is survived by his mom, Annette Faulkner (Dan Lippincott), sons, Wyatt John Kuusisto, Otto Alan Kuusisto, sister, Rebecca (Jason) Coy, niece, Johnnie Waldvogel, nephew, Gaige Waldvogel, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Randolph Kuusisto. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 am-1 pm Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Ak’s Bar and Grill (Formerly the Vene Qua) in Keewatin. In Greg’s honor, please wear a welding hat or Vene Qua attire.