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Roger Arthur Mustonen, 73, Woman Lake, Minnesota was born in Brainerd, Minnesota on June 24, 1938. He was one of five children in the family of Rudolph and Irma Mustonen. In his early years he resided with them in the South Long Lake area. He was received into God's Kingdom through Holy Baptism and made affirmation of his faith on his confirmation day at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd. This past week while he was in care at Bethany Good Samaritan in Brainerd, Roger was called from this life on December 19, 2011. Memorial Services will be held January 7, 2012 at the Longville Community Church with visitation at the Church beginning at 10:00 AM and Services following at 11:00 a.m.

While growing up Roger attended school in the South Long Lake area with his brothers and sisters. During that time his family moved to a small farm in Maple Grove Township and continued gardening, farming and raising cattle.

Following graduation from Washington High School in Brainerd, Roger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January, 1957. Much of his three years of military service was spent in the Asia Pacific area. Following active duty, Roger continued to volunteer with the Marine Corps Auxiliary throughout Minnesota and surrounding states. During that time he attended Dunwoody Institute studying land surveying and received his certification as a professional land surveyor.. His fifty-two year career in surveying began with the U. S Department of Interior where he worked in many states in the Midwest. Following several years with the Department of Interior he opened his surveying office in the Woman Lake area and continued with surveying until recently. His ongoing education included completing the requirements for Registered Real Estate Sales and Appraisals.

The joy and love in Roger's life were when he met Nancy (Bullock) Lott at the Woman Lake Inn.

They were married on August 24, 1980 at a special island in Woman Lake. They both enjoyed the lakes area with the opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities. They were great hosts and truly enjoyed their visits with friends and family who were always welcome in their home.

Roger had a keen interest in finding out more about his Mustonen grandparents who immigrated from Finland in the late 1800's. His interest led to travelling to Finland with his brother. Completely by surprise they located the Mustonen home and cousins that no one in the family knew about. It was an exciting time of travel and learning about the heritage of his grandparents. Also unexpectedly, the new friendship with cousins in Finland led to meeting more cousins who live in Canada. All of Roger's family have been thrilled to learn more about their Finnish background and have enjoyed their visits with these new found cousins they hadn't known before.

Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy this past August. His parents Rudolph and Irma Mustonen also preceded him as did his uncles Renne(Elaine) Mustonen, Jack (Gladys) Mustonen, his aunts, Thelma(Allen)Wheeler, Linda (John) Steinback,, Alma Jarvinen, Luella (William) Higgins, Clara (Eugene) Baribeau, Eleanor (Roy) Norquist and Irene Stedtfeld. His cousins Jackie Mustonen, Arthur and Junior Wheeler, Kay Freeman and Gerald Holmes.

He is survived by his brothers Richard (Cathy) Mustonen, Dean (Alta) Mustonen; his sisters Joyce (John) Erickson, Marilyn (Jerry) Coleman; his nephews Jeff and Brian Mustonen, Scott Coleman and Tom Erickson; nieces: Sara Mustonen, Kim Larson, and Jane Weber; great nieces; Lauren and Hannah Erickson, Merritt and Rachel Weber, Allison, Caily, Raelynn, Danielle, Alexa and Mackenzie Mustonen, Madison Pitsenbarger and great nephew Christopher Erickson. His cousins include Delbert Wheeler,Margaret Stephens, Arlene Syverson, Linda Soderman, Jean Dalten, Theresa Mustonen, Julie Waterdu, Delores Heard, Ellen Anderson, William Higgins, Warren Holmes, Lynn Klause, Barbara Gevik,

Erick Norquist, Kris Hedren. His cousins from Finland Aino and Markku Oksala, his cousins from Canada Linda and David Jorden. His sister-in-law Patty Herheim, nieces-in-law, Candy (Dennis) Cheney, Barb (Bob) Carney, and Pam King, nephews-in-law Bill (Leeann) Herheim, Paul (Cathy) Bullock, and Brad (Mari)Bullock as well as sixteen great nieces and great nephews-in-law and many friends As noted above the Memorial Service for Roger will be held on January 7, 2012 at the Longville Community Church at 10:00 AM visitation and 11:00 AM Services.

Jesus said: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may be where I am." John 14:1-3[[In-content Ad]]

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