Meimi Irene Tauriainen's Obituary

Meimi Irene "Mim" Wesanen Tauriainen was born at home, the middle of seven children, to Finnish immigrants Kalle and Aino Wesanen, March 12, 1922 in Grayling Michigan, and died at her home with her family by her side, August 27, 2022 in Nikiski, Alaska. Growing up on the family farm, Mim learned to work hard, live simply, and value friends and family above all. These traits served her well when she met and married Art Tauriainen in 1942, and began a life of adventure that spanned a century. As a young Army wife during war time, Mim made early homes with Art in Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and Michigan, before setting off to homestead in Alaska in 1959. With her husband, younger brother, and five children ages fourteen to three, Mim traveled the newborn ALCAN Highway and settled north of Kenai, where the family lives today.

A deft hand at tasks like baking and gardening, Mim worked alongside Art to build the family home. Called simply "The Homestead" by many, the T' family home has served as a warm gathering place for all comers since its first appearance as a tiny cabin sandwiched between two lakes. No one will forget Mim's warm hospitality, pasty, Juhannus parties, and sauna; all punctuated with laughter and Finnish conversation. In the late 1970's Mim and Art found a new love: Hawaii. In the years that followed, including the winter of 2022, Mim was a happy "snowbird," sometimes traveling back and forth from the Big Island to Nikiski several times each year. She was a founding member of Star of the North Lutheran Church, attended Ocean View Evangelical Community Church, and later, a faithful parishioner at St. Luke Lutheran Church. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. The definition of "sisu," Mim will be remembered for her unflappable nature, quiet strength, and deep love of all people.

Mim is survived by her children: Mike (Kay) Tauriainen, Carol (Randy) Tauriainen Ernst, Carl Tauriainen, Glenn Tauriainen; eight grandchildren: Julie Tauriainen (Travis Stubblefield), Wendy (Matt) Tauriainen Martello, Lyndi (Michael) Miller, Beth (Jim) Grey, Ellee (Kyle) Mietzner, Peter Dolan (Heather Waye), Amy Dolan (Ryan Moeckley), and Seth Tauriainen; honorary grandchildren Lisa Wade and Tony Wade; ten great-grandchildren: Xander, Ellsi, Maci, Jack, Evangeline, Irene, Agnes, Oliver, Ruth Ann, Luzetta; and countless close-knit family members and friends beloved by her.

Mim was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Tauriainen, son Steven Tauriainen, Daughters-in-Law Ruth Ernst Tauriainen and Susan "Lindy" Thibedeau Tauriainen; parents Kalle and Aino, and siblings Frances, Onni, Carl, Miriam, Leo, and Richard Wesanen.

Funeral services will be held 1pm on Friday September 2, 2022 at North Kenai Chapel with interment at McGahan Cemetery. Remembrances can be sent to the family in care of P.O. Box 7092, Nikiski, AK 99635.

Published by Peninsula Clarion on Aug. 31, 2022.