Gerald Allen Heikkila

Gerald Allen Heikkila, 87 of Cromwell passed away on October 8, 2021 in St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth. Jerry was born in Cromwell on January 24, 1934 to George and Esther Heikkila. He was raised and attended school in Cromwell. On May 11, 1957 he married Wilma Wicklund. Jerry served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. Jerry worked 38 years on the railroad. He started his career as a laborer for Northern Pacific and retired as a district Roadmaster for Burlington Northern Santa Fe. After retirement, he and Wilma traveled all over the U.S. and spent 25 winters in Mission, TX. Jerry was a lifetime member of N.A.R.V.R.E. and was an Eagle Lake Cemetery board member. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, traveling and dancing at various Polka Fests. He was very proud of his Finnish heritage. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Telka (Finnila) Heikkila; and sister, Jean Swanson. Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Wilma of Cromwell; daughter, Dorine (Timothy) Houck of Esko; son, Steven Heikkila of Cromwell; grandchildren, Tim Jr. (Faith) Houck of Jacksonville, FL, Matthew (Samantha Nelson) Houck of Esko, Evan Heikkila and Katie Heikkila both of McGregor; and one sister, Nancy Sauer of Boynton Beach, FL. Visitation: 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. memorial service on Sunday, October 17, 2021 in Atkins Northland Funeral Home Chapel, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Military Honors will be accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. A luncheon will follow the service in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Burial will be in Eagle Lake Cemetery. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute see, www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com