Eileen G. (Salminen) Kukson

Eileen G. Kukson 1921-2026

Eileen Gertrude Kukson, age 105, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026 at Carefree Living in Virginia, MN. She was born on June 4, 1921 in Ely, MN to Urho (Sully) and Saima (Koski) Salminen.

Eileen grew up in Winton and graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1940 and the University of Minnesota in 1944 with a BS in Agriculture. She worked in the drafting department at Northern Ordinance in Fridley until WWII ended, and then worked in the Personnel Department at Honeywell in Minneapolis. Later she worked at Central Cooperative Wholesale in Superior, WI.

She met Bernhart Kukson during her class reunion in the summer of 1950 and they married on December 9, 1950. Together, they operated the Ely Flower and Seed store in Ely until Bernie’s death in 1974.

Eileen was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church in Ely and also a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Ely and Gilbert. She enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Ojibway Lake, working in her flower garden, doing needle work, reading and watching her favorite team, the Minnesota Twins.

Eileen is survived by her son Dean (Brenda) Kukson, son-in-law Tony Zavodnik, 5 grandchildren (Shane and Brenna; Nathan (Kimberly), Mitchell (Jessica) and Matthew (Georgia)), and 10 great-grandchildren (Audrey, Landon and Caleb; Leona, Lillian and Calvin; Brooklynn, Kaizyn, Brekkyn and Tristyn). Preceding her in death were sister Laura, father Urho, mother Saima, husband Bernie, and daughter Diane.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on July 30, 2026 at the First Lutheran Church in Ely. Burial will be in the Ely Cemetery.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude for the eight years of loving care that Eileen received from the stay at Carefree Living in Virgina and the gracious care she received from the Essentia East Range Hospice stay in the last months of her wonderful life.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. 

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