John W. Kuusinen

John W. Kuusinen, 72, of Hibbing, MN, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN.  He was born in Duluth on December 5, 1952, to Wayne and Helen (Anderson) Kuusinen.

John grew up on the Iron Range in Hibbing, graduated from Hibbing High School and went on to attend Eveleth Vo-Tech for some training. Not long after that, John started his career at the Mesaba Country Club and worked there for many years before retiring in 2018 as the golf course superintendent. He married the love of his life, Cheryl Orazem, in 1976 and together they started their family, raising three boys. John was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He was one of the founding members of the deer creek camp and would trap shoot with friends. John also enjoyed working on stock cars and doing various carpentry projects as he was always remodeling the house. He had a great sense of humor, liked to joke around with family and friends and was known for being a bit of a prankster. He will be greatly missed. 

John is survived by his wife Cheryl, sons Erik (Stacy K.) Kuusinen, Luke (Hilary T.) Kuusinen and Josh (Christina Lau) Kuusinen, grandkids Lucy Gabrielson and Mikko Kuusinen, sisters-in-law Karen (Brian) Tronnes, Sue (Tim) Orazem Nelson and Linda (Jere) Heineman, long time coworker and friend Tom Parson and his nephews and niece. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and step siblings Loren Kuusinen and Ann Engen.  

The family would like to give a special thanks to Essentia in Virginia and Duluth for the excellent care and comfort that they provided.  

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Hibbing, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. 

 Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home.