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Tauno Armas Alanko

1919 - 2019

Tauno Armas Alanko obituary, 1919-2019, Vancouver, WA

BORN

1919

DIED

2019

Tauno Alanko Obituary


TAUNO ARMAS ALANKO
November 13, 1919 ˜ May 27, 2019

Tauno Armas Alanko died peacefully on May 27, 2019 in Vancouver, WA at the age of 99. He was born on Nov. 13, 1919 near La Center, WA to Matti and Fiina Alanko. Tauno grew up on the family strawberry farm on Jenny Creek with his sisters, Elsie and Elvie. He graduated from La Center High School in 1938.
Tauno served in the Merchant Marines from 1940 through WW2 until 1948, rising from Ordinary Seaman to Second Mate and Navigator. He also accumulated many stories to go with his service. Tauno ran aground when he met Margaret Cobb at Holcomb’s Dance Hall. They were married on April 10, 1948.
He worked at Bemis Company in the shipping department, retiring after 35 years.
Tauno was a accomplished conversationalist with a keen sense of humor. He could talk to anyone, anywhere. On vacation it was common to have the family waiting for him to finish a story (or two). Tauno loved to travel, furnishing his sons lasting memories of road trips all through the West and as far as Upper Michigan. He was a master huckleberry picker, loved to hike and camp, and was known for his garlic and concord grapes.
Tauno was a active and dedicated member of the Finnish-American Historical Society Of The West. He often volunteered at the historic Lingren log home at Cullaby State Park near Astoria, OR. He was also a fixture at his Finnish language class and a Finnish social/cultural group.
Tauno is survived by his sons, Gary Alanko of Vancouver and Randy Alanko of Baker City, OR. He was dedicated to his nine grandchildren, Dan Alanko, Nate Alanko, Madeline Devereau, Gordon Alanko, Meagan Alanko, Gyneth Alanko, Sam Alanko, Hannah Alanko and Isaac Alanko. Tauno delighted in his great-grandchildren, Corrine, Emmi, Kate, Arlo and Otis. He is also survived by his sister, Elvie Walker.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Alanko; and his sister, Elsie Gusey.
A service is scheduled for June 20th at 3PM at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Vancouver, WA, with a reception to follow.
The family thanks the phenomenal staff at Magda Adult Care for their excellent care of Tauno in his last years.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Jun. 18, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

I am so sorry about Tauno's passing. He was such a nice man. My grandma, Fiina Pavola and his mom were best friends. They had both come over from Finland at separate times. My mom and her brothers went to school with Tauno, Elvie and Elsie. They were all good friends.

Peggy Davey

June 27, 2019

Tauno and Margaret were good friends of my parents and grandmother. They were life long friends from childhood in LaCenter. I met both of them many time when they would come visiting. I am sorry for your loss. They both were great people!

Susan Miller-Simonson

June 20, 2019

I am sorry to hear of Tauno's passing. I stood up with Margaret at their wedding and still may have photos. Then I was Catherine Feltz. I married John Velaga and live in Portland. That was a long time ago.

June 20, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Jun

20

Service

3:00 p.m.

Evergreen Memorial Gardens

Vancouver, WA

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