Walter J. Kukkonen

On Monday, September 14, 2026, Walter was called home to Christ and died peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife and daughter.

Born in DeKalb, IL, on March 4, 1944, to Walter and Edna Kukkonen, Walter was named after his father but came to be known under different aliases throughout his life. He first became affectionately known as Butch (later Uncle Butch) to his family, then Original Sin to his father’s seminary students in early childhood years, and then Pastor Walt to the congregations he served faithfully over his career. His favorite titles, however, were given when he became husband to the love of his life, Fran, then Dad to his four children, and finally when he was blessed to be known and loved as Papa by his wonderful grandsons.

Walter was a lifelong learner and proud graduate of Proviso East High School, St. Olaf College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Lutheran School of Theology-Chicago. He had a fulfilling career as a pastor for 35 years in the Lutheran Church, serving several congregations, most significantly Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Joliet, IL, where he met his wife, First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan in Sterling, IL, Faith Lutheran Church in Moline, IL, and finally the capstone in his ministry, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, IA, where he retired from in 2007.

When he wasn’t serving others, he could be found reading, watching the latest Matlock episode, or journaling about his life and astute observations of the world. Out in the wild, Walt was rarely seen without a camera or camcorder in his hand, capturing everything from picturesque landscapes and sunsets, to candid moments of his children and grandchildren, to the many cherished family vacations across the United States, and undoubtedly every one of his children’s and grandchildren’s games, meets, concerts, or performances. Walter and Fran enjoyed many beautiful adventures in their retirement, including memorable trips to the North Shore and Upper Peninsula, to Walt’s beloved childhood hometown of Hancock, MI, to Georgia for quality time with their oldest son and his family, to New England and Canada, and even on a couple of Alaskan cruises, and a trip to Sweden (surely with no shortage of Finns are betters than Swedes jokes).

Walter’s legacy of faith, love, and humor continues through the lives of his wife of 52 years, Fran Kukkonen; their children, John (Kristen) Kukkonen, Paul Kukkonen, James (Brooklyn) Kukkonen, and Lori (David) Shelton; their six grandsons, Wesley, Kyler, Liam, Miles, Colten, and Porter; his siblings, Dianne Lundeen, Mark (Holly) Kukkonen and many other extended family and friends whose lives he touched over his 82 years.

Please join us in celebrating Walter’s life on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 Mississippi St. NE, Fridley, MN 55432.

There will be a visitation at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM, and a luncheon immediately following. Please join us as we honor his life “Walt style,” with a delicious meal, shared fellowship, and ideally a few good Dad jokes (the cornier the better).

Walter’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving care, creativity, and support received by the teams at Suite Living Senior Care and North Memorial Hospice. Memorial donations can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter | Alzheimer’s Association) and North Memorial Hospice (Donate to the North Memorial Health Foundation).

Well done, good and faithful servant! (Matthew 25:23)