Page created by: Pamela Hongisto

James “Jim” Elmer Hongisto, age 78, of Lake Havasu City, AZ, passed away in Las Vegas, NV at the home of his son, David, surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

He was born on May 24, 1944 in Cloquet, MN to Elmer and Bertha (Laine) Hongisto and was the only son of their five children. He graduated from Esko High School in 1962. He then studied business at the University of Minnesota Duluth and graduated in 1966.

He started working at age 11 at the family business, Hongisto Truck and Implement in Cloquet, MN; he later owned and operated the business until his retirement in 2015. He built the family home in Wrenshall, MN in 1976, and he enjoyed spending time on the golf course he created on the property. Jim was always curious, loved to talk with others, and could always win card games against all opponents (sometimes).

Jim met the love of his life, Carol (Himango) when they were in first grade, and they started dating in 10th grade. They married on June 26, 1965 and had 57 happy years of marriage. Together they traveled countless times to Negril, Jamaica, where Jim enjoyed walking the beach, chatting with local residents and fellow travelers, and making his famous fruit rum punch.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, sister Arlene Michaelson, and brothers-in-law Richard Michaelson and Rueben Tangren. He is survived by his wife Carol, sons Michael of Carlton, MN and David (Pamela) of Las Vegas, NV, grandson Logan James, sisters Alice Nopola, Janet Tangren, and Barbara (Roland) Lovstad, as well as many nieces and nephews.