Search by Name
Search by Name
1919
2019
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
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more