Eric Ylonen

Obituary of Eric Emil Ylonen

Eric Emil Ylonen, 66, passed away on January 30, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.  Eric was born on February 16, 1958, in Denver, Colorado to Oiva and Helen Ylonen, then spent many of his young years in both Rhode Island and Connecticut.  When Eric was 11 his family moved to Minnesota where he lived out most of the rest of his life.  He lived in Lake Elmo throughout his teenage years, raised his own family in Champlin, and most recently resided in Columbia Heights.

Eric loved his family and delighted in sharing his passions with his children and grandchildren. His enthusiasm for sports and good music was infectious.  He spent much of his free time skiing the slopes, supporting the Twins and Vikings, attending concerts, most often with family.  Eric especially found joy in cheering on his grandchildren at their baseball and soccer games.    

Eric also enjoyed working and hoped to do so until he turned 70.  He built a successful career in the machining industry as an inspector and/or quality control manager, most recently at Kurt Manufacturing, where his meticulous nature and commitment to excellence left a lasting impression. 

In recent years, Eric loved finding solitude in the simple pleasures of life.  Eric was actively deepening his Christian faith, and loved a good road trip especially if it involved the mountains, skiing in the winter and birdwatching in the summer.  He loved his pets, his plants and his online games and gaming community. 

Survived by son Tyler (Wendy) Ylonen; daughter Jillian (Thomas) Hart; grandchildren Justin, Sophie and Charlie; mother Helen Ylonen; brothers Karl (Andrea) Ylonen, Paul (Sue) Ylonen; many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by father Oiva Ylonen. 

A memorial gathering to celebrate Eric’s life will be held on what would have been his 67th birthday—February 16, 2025—from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Autumn Grove Park, located at 1395 Lydia Ave. W., Roseville, Minnesota 55113. All are welcome to come together to honor Eric’s memory.

Condolences may also be sent to: 2641 121st Ave. NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433

A Memorial Tree was planted for Eric
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cremation Society Of Minnesota | St. Paul
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