Edward Anton Jonas

EDWARD ANTON JONAS March 28, 1936 – July 17, 2020 Edward Anton Jonas, age 84 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly a long time resident of Deer River, MN, was promoted into Glory on Friday, July 17, 2020 at the CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, following a valiant battle against cancer. Edward was born on March 28, 1936 to Nestor and Alina (Wierima) Jonas on his parent’s farm in Straight River Township south of Park Rapids. As a small boy, he moved with his family to Minneapolis and eventually to a farm near Deer River. He attended public schools there and graduated from the Deer River High School with the Class of 1955. Edward then joined the United States Navy where he completed training courses at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL. He graduated top of his class as a member of the “A” Class of Electricians Mate School in 1956. Following his honorable discharge in 1959, Edward returned to Deer River where he drove school bus and worked as a small engines mechanic for a couple of years. Edward then gained employment working as an electrician for the Blandin Paper Company in a career that spanned over 30 years. Edward made his home for a time in Effie, before resettling in Deer River. On May 10, 2014, Edward was united in marriage to Karen (Schwartz) Makinen at Christ Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN. They made their home on Little Moose Lake near Deer River until just recently selling their lake property and moving to Park Rapids. Edward loved the outdoors; especially, when he could be fishing, hunting, trapping or wild ricing. He was a masterful storyteller and loved visiting with people. Each morning he looked forward to going to the Sportsman Café in Deer River and spending time with his coffee buddies. Above all, Edward cherished his time with Karen who he always referred to as “the love of his life”. Edward was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer this past May. His deep and solid faith in the Lord brought him much comfort throughout his life and has been his foundation through his illness. He will be remembered by his precious wife, Karen of Park Rapids; his step-daughter, Amanda (Butch) Farlee of Park Rapids; his two step-sons: Ken Makinen of Park Rapids and Wayne (Philomena) Makinen serving in the United States Marine Corps.; seven precious step-grandchildren; three sisters: Ellen Schmid of Kansas City, KS, Ruth (Albert) Aragon of Denver, CO and Dorothy Charging Hawk of Duluth, MN; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Nestor; sisters Mary Ann and Arlene and step-son, Erwin Makinen who died in July of 2018. Funeral services will be held Thursday July 23rd at Christ Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake with the Reverend David Walsh officiating. Mary Harvala will be the organist. The active casket bearers will be Ken Makinen, Wayne Makinen, Butch Farley, Tim Haataja, Gerald Makinen, and Dan Makinen. The honorary casket bearers will be Amanda Farlee, Shania Farlee, Michelle Farlee, Felix Makinen, Felicity Makinen, Abigail Makinen, Lillian Makinen, Timothy Makinen and Ed’s nieces and nephews. A luncheon will be hosted by Ed’s church family at Christ Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Olivet Cemetery of Deer River. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com